Multiple Allelism and Polygenic Traits
Multiple Allelism and Polygenic Traits
MODULE-7
• Explain what is meant by the term polygenic traits and cite relevant
examples of such traits.
2. Multiple allelism
4. Linkage of genes
G E N E T I C S-I
Multiple allelism
• Mendel assumed the existence of two alleles per gene locus.
• Most genes have more than two alleles – the presence of more than two
alleles per gene locus is referred to as multiple allelism.
• Each gene locus however can carry only two alleles of the multiple allelic
series.
G E N E T I C S-I
Multiple allelism
ABO
Blood Anti- Anti-
Antigen Antigen
Type body body
A B anti-A Anti-B
A yes no no yes
B no yes yes no
O no no yes yes
AB
yes yes no no
Multiple allelism
Greater the no. of multiple alleles with respect to a gene,
greater is the genetic variability.
F1 Aa AaBb AaBbCc
F2 Phenotypic
distributions
G E N E T I C S-I
Polygenic traits
Additive genetic effects
When a character is NOT under the influence of non-additive
genetic effects such as dominance and epistasis, it is said to
be under additive genetic influence.
F2
1 2 3 1 2 3
G E N E T I C S-I