Genetic... chromosomes, chromosomes, and chromosomes!!!

This week in AP Biology we further travelled through genetics. We learned about sex-linked traits, co-dominance, incomplete dominance among other things. From there we went even deeper into the chromosomal basis of inheritance.

                Sex-linked traits are genes that are located on the x or y chromosome.  These genes on the chromosomes bring forth diseases such as hemophilia and color blindness. Co-dominance in genetics is when both alleles are expressed. This is exemplified in the blood type AB and calico cats. Calico cats are also always female which makes it a sex-linked trait. Incomplete dominance is when the dominant allele doesn’t completely mask the other such creating a sort of blending. This can be seen in blending a red and white snapdragon together and it producing a pink.

                The chromosomal basis of inheritance is connected with Thomas Hunt and the, Chromosome Theory of Inheritance which states that Mendelian genes have specific loci on chromosomes that undergo segregation and independent assortment. Thomas Hunt Morgan contributed a lot to his specific subject. He produced a lot of research with fruit flies that had to do with linked genes. Link genes are genes that tend to be inherited together because they are so close on the chromosomes.  He also helped with recombinant offspring. These are offspring that have features from both parents.

                We also looked at genetic disorders such as Huntington’s and Down Syndrome. The fertilization of these gametes cells that produce these disorders is called aneuploidy.