Question

In what ways does Mendelian genetics differ from polygenic inheritance?

Answer 1

Mendelian genetics:

1.In Mendelian genetics we study only two alleles of a gene controlling a single trait. The alleles code for different versions of the trait. For example, height of a pea plant is controlled by two alleles T and t of the same gene-T gives tall plants wheras t gives short plants. Thus there are only two alleles involved for the trait (height).

2. Mendelian traits are qualitative in nature.

Polygenic inheritance:

1. In polygenic inheritance, a trait or character is governed by many different genes at different loci and each contribute such a small amount to the phenotype that individual effects cannot be detected by Mendelian methods. Each gene exerts a small additive effect.

2. Polygenic traits are quantitative in nature.