Law of Segregation

Mendel's observation that traits are inherited as discrete units, now known as genes, which come in pairs and separate during the formation of reproductive cells

Law of Independent Assortment

Mendel's principle that traits are inherited independently of each other, leading to the formation of unique combinations of traits in offspring

Dominant and Recessive Alleles

Mendel's discovery that organisms carry two alleles for each trait, one from each parent, and that dominant alleles are expressed in the phenotype while recessive alleles are masked

Visual Representation of Genetic Inheritance

The Punnett square is a tool used to predict the probability of offspring inheriting particular alleles from their parents by arranging possible gametes along the axes of a grid

Simplifying Genetic Calculations

The Punnett square aids in the calculation of genotypic and phenotypic ratios, making it useful for geneticists and educators in understanding genetic inheritance and predicting carrier status and the likelihood of expressing a genetic trait or disease

Autosomal Dominant and Recessive Disorders

Mendelian inheritance principles apply to human and animal genetics, particularly in the context of hereditary diseases, with autosomal dominant disorders requiring only one copy of the mutated gene and recessive disorders requiring two copies for manifestation

Sex-Linked Inheritance and Genetic Disorders

Sex-linked genetic disorders, located on the X and Y chromosomes, can be either dominant or recessive, with distinct patterns of inheritance and risks associated with these genes

Beyond Simple Mendelian Inheritance

While Mendelian inheritance provides a foundational understanding of heredity, genetic expression can be influenced by factors such as penetrance and expressivity, highlighting the complexity of genetic traits