Consider These Statements from the Text

question 98

Essay

Consider these statements from the text:
(a) "If you can roll your tongue lengthwise into the shape of a tube, then at least one, but not necessarily both, of your parents must possess this . . . talent."
(b) "If you have straight hair, then both of your parents must carry an allele for this trait, although it is possible that neither of them actually has straight hair."
Provide a detailed explanation of each statement, being sure to explain the process by which each trait is expressed and how, if at all, the trait of tongue-rolling and the trait of straight hair are different.

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Definitions:

Myelinated Fiber

A nerve fiber with a myelin sheath, which increases the speed at which electrical impulses propagate along the nerve fiber.

Initial Segment

The first portion of a nerve cell axon nearest to the cell body, critical for the initiation of neural signals.

Voltage-Regulated Channels

Ion channels in the cell membranes that open or close in response to changes in membrane potential, crucial for the transmission of electrical signals.

Hyperpolarization

A rise in the membrane potential of a cell, resulting in it becoming more negatively charged and reducing its chances of initiating an action potential.