What is a non-Mendelian trait? Answer: A non-Mendelian trait is a type of inheritance that does not follow the laws of Mendelian genetics, as described by Gregor Mendel in the 19th century. Unlike Mendelian traits, which are determined by a single gene and are inherited in a predictable pattern, non-Mendelian traits are determined by multiple genes or environmental factors that interact in complex ways. One example of a non-Mendelian trait is polygenic inheritance, which involves the interaction of multiple genes in determining a phenotype. Polygenic traits, such as height or skin color, often display a continuous distribution rather than a clear-cut pattern of inheritance. Another type of non-Mendelian trait is epigenetic inheritance, which involves changes to gene expression patterns that are not caused by changes to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can be influenced by environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins or stress. Non-Mendelian inheritance patterns have important implications for fields such as genetics, evolution, and personalized medicine, as they highlight the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors in determining a trait. References: - Stahl, F. W. (2013). Non-Mendelian Inheritance in Bacteria. Genetics, 194(4), 753-753. https://doi.org/10.1534/genetics.113.152736 - Jablonka, E., & Raz, G. (2009). Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance: prevalence, mechanisms, and implications for the study of heredity and evolution. The Quarterly Review of Biology, 84(2), 131-176. https://doi.org/10.1086/598822 - Kostic, A. D., & Xavier, R. J. (2014). Non-mendelian inheritance in intestinal microbiota. Current Opinion in Microbiology, 18, 21-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mib.2014.01.005
