🧬 GENETICS EXPLAINED


🔁 Genetic Recombination

TypeWhat It MeansExample
Crossing OverRecombination between linked genes on the same chromosomeAaBb x aabb → more parentals than recombinants
Independent AssortmentRecombination between unlinked genes (on different chromosomes)AaBb x aabb → 1:1:1:1 expected
More recombinants = genes are farther apart on a chromosome
Recombination Frequency Formula = (recombinants ÷ total offspring) × 100 = % or map units
  • Max recombination frequency = 50% = unlinked
  • If genes are linked, recombination frequency is <50%
  • Parental types = most frequent
  • Recombinants = less frequent

🔢 Genotypic vs Phenotypic Ratios

Cross TypeGenotypic RatioPhenotypic Ratio
Monohybrid (Aa x Aa)1:2:1 (AA:Aa:aa)3:1 (dom : rec)
Dihybrid (AaBb x AaBb)1:2:1:2:4:2:1:2:19:3:3:1
Incomplete/Codominance (Rr x Rr)1:2:11 red : 2 pink : 1 white
AaBb x aabb (unlinked)1:1:1:1 (A_B_, A_bb, aaB_, aabb)

🧬 Key Terms

  • Wild Type = most common natural phenotype
  • Barr Body = inactive X chromosome in females
  • Hemizygous = only one allele present (e.g., males for X genes)
  • Genomic Imprinting = some genes are silenced based on parent origin (epigenetics!)

🎲 Epistasis & Polygenic Traits

  • Epistasis: one gene masks another
    • Example ratio = 9:3:4
  • Polygenic Inheritance: many genes affect one trait
    • Use formula: 2n + 1 = phenotypes
    • Example: skin color, height

⚖️ Dominance Types

TypeResult
CompleteDominant masks recessive (Aa = dominant)
IncompleteBlend (Rr = pink from red x white)
CodominanceBoth show (e.g. AB blood type)

👪 PEDIGREE ANALYSIS — HOW TO DETERMINE MODE OF INHERITANCE


Step-by-Step Gameplan:

  1. Does the trait skip generations?

    • Yes → likely recessive
    • No → likely dominant
  2. Are both sexes affected equally?

    • Yes → probably autosomal
    • No (mostly one gender) → likely sex-linked
  3. Are there any carriers?

    • Yes = autosomal recessive
    • ONLY females can be carriers = sex-linked recessive
  4. Is every affected daughter’s father also affected?

    • Yes → think X-linked recessive

🎯 Quick Cheat Sheet:

InheritanceKey Clues
Autosomal DominantTrait appears in every generation; both sexes equally; affected parents → affected kids
Autosomal RecessiveSkips generations; affected kids from unaffected parents; both sexes equally
Sex-Linked RecessiveMostly males; skips generations; daughters only affected if dad has it too; mom can be carrier
Sex-Linked DominantNo male-to-male transmission; all daughters of affected dads are affected

🧬 Barr Bodies

  • One Barr body = 2 X chromosomes
  • Females = XX (1 Barr body)
  • Males = XY (0 Barr bodies)
  • So: Yes → 1 Barr body = Female

 Generation I
  I1([♂ Unaffected]):::unaffected -->|married| I2([♀ Unaffected]):::unaffected
  
   Generation III (from affected II1)
  II1 --> III1([♂ Unaffected]):::unaffected
  II1 --> III2([♀ Affected]):::affected

   Styles
  classDef unaffected fill:#ffffff,stroke:#000000,color:#000000;
  classDef affected fill:#000000,stroke:#000000,color:#ffffff;
flowchart TD
     Styling
    classDef default fill:#ffffff,stroke:#000000,color:#000000,font-size:12px;
    class A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P default;