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5.6 Chromosomal Inheritance

2 min readdecember 28, 2022

Haseung Jun

Haseung Jun

Caroline Koffke

Caroline Koffke

Haseung Jun

Haseung Jun

Caroline Koffke

Caroline Koffke

As described before, are inherited from both parents following the rules of genetics. There is an equal chance that either version of a gene may be inherited in offspring due to the law of . allows for even more variation in that it is simply by chance that a certain egg and a certain sperm combine to form a zygote.

in the first stages of leads to a number of different chromosomal combinations that increase the amount of variety in a population.

All of these components lead to the immense amount of diversity that we see on our planet. There will never be another you, because there is no chance that the genetic combination that created you will be created again. Remember, the only reason we don't do mitosis when reproducing is because variation in the population keeps the population more stronger when combatting diseases. It is an advantage to survival, so that's why we need to go through the pain of dividng twice with the process of .

Punnett Squares

allow us to determine the specific probability that two parents will create offspring with certain . These are frequently used to determine probabilities, but only work for traits that have a simple inheritance pattern.

The ability of a parent to pass on genes to their offspring is fundamental to life. It creates the process of , as some individuals are able to survive and pass on their genes more frequently than others.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F512px-Punnett_Square.png?alt=media&token=7d5acb21-48b5-4a15-9de1-bcb84c403b35

Image courtesy of WikiMedia Commons.

Our is coiled into chromosomal shapes because it allows more easier distribution. It also helps us with understanding the patterns of inheritance. Because we rely on for inheritance, can come from or as discussed earlier.

Key Terms to Review (12)

Chromosomes

: Chromosomes are thread-like structures located inside the nucleus of animal and plant cells. Each chromosome is made up of protein and a single molecule of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

Crossing Over

: Crossing over is a process that occurs during meiosis where two chromosomes pair up and exchange segments of their genetic material. This leads to a mix of parental traits in offspring, contributing to genetic diversity.

DNA

: DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is a molecule that carries most of the genetic instructions used in development, functioning and reproduction of all known living organisms.

Genetic Disorders

: Genetic disorders are diseases that are caused by abnormalities in an individual's genome. These abnormalities can range from a small mutation in a single gene to the addition or subtraction of an entire chromosome.

Independent Assortment

: Independent assortment is a principle stating that genes for different traits can segregate independently during the formation of gametes.

Meiosis

: Meiosis is a type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell, as in the production of gametes and plant spores.

Mutated Alleles

: Mutated alleles are versions of genes that have undergone changes or mutations. These changes can affect the function of the protein that the gene codes for, potentially leading to genetic disorders.

Natural Selection

: Natural selection is a process in nature where organisms possessing certain genotypic characteristics that make them better adjusted to their environment tend to survive, reproduce, increase in number or frequency, and therefore, are able to pass on these favorable genetic traits to their offspring.

Nondisjunction

: Nondisjunction occurs when chromosomes fail to separate properly during meiosis, resulting in gametes with an abnormal number of chromosomes.

Phenotypes

: Phenotypes are observable characteristics or traits of an organism which result from interaction between its genetic makeup and environmental influences.

Punnett Squares

: A diagram used by biologists to predict the outcome of a genetic cross. It shows all possible combinations of alleles that can result from a genetic cross.

Random Fertilization

: Random fertilization is the concept that each sperm and egg combination is unique due to independent assortment and crossing over during meiosis, leading to a vast number of potential genetic combinations in offspring.

5.6 Chromosomal Inheritance

2 min readdecember 28, 2022

Haseung Jun

Haseung Jun

Caroline Koffke

Caroline Koffke

Haseung Jun

Haseung Jun

Caroline Koffke

Caroline Koffke

As described before, are inherited from both parents following the rules of genetics. There is an equal chance that either version of a gene may be inherited in offspring due to the law of . allows for even more variation in that it is simply by chance that a certain egg and a certain sperm combine to form a zygote.

in the first stages of leads to a number of different chromosomal combinations that increase the amount of variety in a population.

All of these components lead to the immense amount of diversity that we see on our planet. There will never be another you, because there is no chance that the genetic combination that created you will be created again. Remember, the only reason we don't do mitosis when reproducing is because variation in the population keeps the population more stronger when combatting diseases. It is an advantage to survival, so that's why we need to go through the pain of dividng twice with the process of .

Punnett Squares

allow us to determine the specific probability that two parents will create offspring with certain . These are frequently used to determine probabilities, but only work for traits that have a simple inheritance pattern.

The ability of a parent to pass on genes to their offspring is fundamental to life. It creates the process of , as some individuals are able to survive and pass on their genes more frequently than others.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F512px-Punnett_Square.png?alt=media&token=7d5acb21-48b5-4a15-9de1-bcb84c403b35

Image courtesy of WikiMedia Commons.

Our is coiled into chromosomal shapes because it allows more easier distribution. It also helps us with understanding the patterns of inheritance. Because we rely on for inheritance, can come from or as discussed earlier.

Key Terms to Review (12)

Chromosomes

: Chromosomes are thread-like structures located inside the nucleus of animal and plant cells. Each chromosome is made up of protein and a single molecule of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

Crossing Over

: Crossing over is a process that occurs during meiosis where two chromosomes pair up and exchange segments of their genetic material. This leads to a mix of parental traits in offspring, contributing to genetic diversity.

DNA

: DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is a molecule that carries most of the genetic instructions used in development, functioning and reproduction of all known living organisms.

Genetic Disorders

: Genetic disorders are diseases that are caused by abnormalities in an individual's genome. These abnormalities can range from a small mutation in a single gene to the addition or subtraction of an entire chromosome.

Independent Assortment

: Independent assortment is a principle stating that genes for different traits can segregate independently during the formation of gametes.

Meiosis

: Meiosis is a type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell, as in the production of gametes and plant spores.

Mutated Alleles

: Mutated alleles are versions of genes that have undergone changes or mutations. These changes can affect the function of the protein that the gene codes for, potentially leading to genetic disorders.

Natural Selection

: Natural selection is a process in nature where organisms possessing certain genotypic characteristics that make them better adjusted to their environment tend to survive, reproduce, increase in number or frequency, and therefore, are able to pass on these favorable genetic traits to their offspring.

Nondisjunction

: Nondisjunction occurs when chromosomes fail to separate properly during meiosis, resulting in gametes with an abnormal number of chromosomes.

Phenotypes

: Phenotypes are observable characteristics or traits of an organism which result from interaction between its genetic makeup and environmental influences.

Punnett Squares

: A diagram used by biologists to predict the outcome of a genetic cross. It shows all possible combinations of alleles that can result from a genetic cross.

Random Fertilization

: Random fertilization is the concept that each sperm and egg combination is unique due to independent assortment and crossing over during meiosis, leading to a vast number of potential genetic combinations in offspring.


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.