Types of Inherited Traits
There are two types of inherited traits. This depends on the dominance or recessive nature of the trait. In case the copies are not identical to each other, the characteristics or the trait, which is expressed phenotypically is referred to as dominant trait while the other is referred as recessive trait.
Dominant Trait |
Recessive Trait |
---|---|
Dominant traits are always expressed when the connected allele is dominant, even if only one copy exists. |
On the other hand, recessive traits are expressed only if both the connected alleles are recessive. If one of the alleles is dominant, then the associated characteristic is less likely to manifest. |
Examples in humans: Almond shaped eyes, Right handedness, Detached earlobes. |
Round eyes, Left handedness, Attached earlobes. |
Inherited Traits
Inherited Trait is a fundamental concept in genetics that explains how genes are passed from parents to offspring. Genes are the instruction that tells our bodies how to grow and develop properly and, to an extent, determine what we exhibit. Inherited traits are responsible for shaping the biological identity of an individual. These are the characters that are passed down from one generation to the next generation. This article explores the concept of inherited traits with the help of Mendel’s experiment and its applications in the field of genetics.
Table of Content
- What are Inherited Traits?
- Examples of Inherited Traits
- Types of Inherited Traits
- How do Traits Get Expressed?
- What are Acquired Traits?
- Difference Between Acquired and Inherited Traits
- Rules for the Inheritance of Traits Mendel’s Contribution