Incomplete and codominance worksheet answers – Delving into the captivating realm of genetics, our focus falls upon incomplete dominance and codominance, concepts that challenge the traditional Mendelian principles. These phenomena, often encountered in nature’s tapestry, introduce a spectrum of inheritance patterns, unraveling the intricacies of genetic expression.
Incomplete dominance, distinct from complete dominance, presents a fascinating scenario where neither allele fully masks the expression of the other. This interplay results in intermediate phenotypes, revealing the harmonious coexistence of both traits. Codominance, on the other hand, showcases the remarkable ability of both alleles to express themselves simultaneously, leading to distinct and often striking phenotypes.
Incomplete Dominance
Incomplete dominance is a type of non-Mendelian inheritance in which the heterozygous genotype does not show a complete dominance of one allele over the other. Instead, the phenotype of the heterozygote is a blend of the phenotypes of the two homozygous genotypes.
For example, in snapdragons, the homozygous genotype for red flowers (RR) produces red flowers, while the homozygous genotype for white flowers (rr) produces white flowers. However, the heterozygous genotype (Rr) produces pink flowers, which is a blend of the red and white colors.
The genetic mechanism underlying incomplete dominance is that the two alleles of a gene are codominant. This means that both alleles are expressed in the heterozygous genotype, and neither allele is completely dominant over the other.
Codominance: Incomplete And Codominance Worksheet Answers
Codominance is a type of non-Mendelian inheritance in which the heterozygous genotype shows the phenotypes of both homozygous genotypes. This means that both alleles of a gene are expressed in the heterozygous genotype, and neither allele is dominant over the other.
For example, in humans, the ABO blood group is determined by three alleles: A, B, and O. The A and B alleles are codominant, so the heterozygous genotypes AO and BO produce the AB blood group, which shows the phenotypes of both the A and B alleles.
The genetic basis of codominance is that the two alleles of a gene are located on different chromosomes. This means that each allele is inherited independently of the other, and neither allele can mask the expression of the other allele.
FAQ
What is the key difference between incomplete dominance and codominance?
In incomplete dominance, neither allele is dominant, resulting in an intermediate phenotype. In codominance, both alleles are fully expressed, leading to distinct and often contrasting phenotypes.
Can incomplete dominance and codominance occur in the same organism?
Yes, incomplete dominance and codominance can coexist within the same organism, affecting different traits or genes.
How do incomplete dominance and codominance impact genetic inheritance?
Incomplete dominance introduces a wider range of phenotypes, while codominance preserves the expression of both alleles, leading to more complex inheritance patterns.