Most Characteristics Are the Result of the Interaction of Many

question 108

Multiple Choice

Most characteristics are the result of the interaction of many different genes. This is the concept of

• A) dominant-recessive inheritance.
• B) sex-linked inheritance.
• C) genetic imprinting.
• D) polygenic inheritance.

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Definitions:

Dominance

The priority of one allele or gene over others in affecting the phenotype of an organism, or a social hierarchy where individuals of higher status have more influence.

Alleles

Variants of a gene found at the same place on a chromosome that determine distinct traits that can be passed from parents to offspring.

Recessive Alleles

Gene variants that can be masked by dominant alleles and are expressed only when two copies are present.

Dominant Alleles

Dominant alleles are versions of genes that produce a dominant trait which will express itself in the phenotype, even when only one copy is present.