Mendelian inheritance
Mendelian inheritance
Mendelian inheritance (/mɛnˈdiːliən/ men-DEE-lee-ən) refers to the patterns of inheritance that are characteristic of organisms that reproduce sexually. It is named after Gregor Mendel, a 19th-century Austrian monk who conducted experiments on pea plants that laid the foundation for our understanding of genetics.
Etymology
The term "Mendelian inheritance" is derived from the name of Gregor Mendel, who is often referred to as the "father of modern genetics". Mendel's work in the mid-19th century was the first to suggest that traits are passed from parents to offspring in a predictable way.
Principles
Mendelian inheritance is based on two fundamental principles:
- Principle of Segregation: This principle states that each organism has two alleles for each trait, and that these alleles segregate (separate) during the formation of gametes. Each gamete then contains only one allele for each trait. When fertilization occurs, the offspring receives one allele from each parent, resulting in two alleles for each trait in the offspring.
- Principle of Independent Assortment: This principle states that the alleles for different traits assort independently of one another during the formation of gametes. In other words, the allele a gamete receives for one trait does not influence the allele it receives for another trait.
Related Terms
- Allele: One of two or more versions of a gene that are found at the same place on a chromosome.
- Gamete: A mature sexual reproductive cell, such as a sperm or egg, that unites with another cell to form a new organism.
- Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism; the combination of alleles for a given gene.
- Phenotype: The physical and physiological traits of an organism, which are determined by its genetic makeup.
- Homozygous: Having two identical alleles for a particular gene.
- Heterozygous: Having two different alleles for a particular gene.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mendelian inheritance
- Wikipedia's article - Mendelian inheritance
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