What is the pattern of inheritance for polygenic trait?  

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NEET 2025 Official Paper (Held On: 04 May, 2025)
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  1. Mendelian inheritance pattern
  2. Non-mendelian inheritance pattern 
  3. Autosomal dominant pattern
  4. X-linked recessive inheritance pattern  

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Non-mendelian inheritance pattern 
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The correct answer is Non-Mendelian inheritance pattern

Explanation:

  • Polygenic traits are traits controlled by multiple genes, often located on different chromosomes. These genes collectively contribute to the phenotype, and their effects are additive.
  • Unlike single-gene traits studied by Mendel, polygenic traits do not follow simple dominant-recessive inheritance. Instead, they exhibit a Non-Mendelian inheritance pattern.
  • Examples of polygenic traits include skin color, height, eye color, and weight in humans. These traits show a continuous range of variation rather than discrete categories.
  • Environmental factors also play a significant role in the expression of polygenic traits.
  • Polygenic traits are inherited in a manner that does not conform to Mendel’s laws of inheritance. The phenotypes result from the interaction of multiple genes, each with a small, cumulative effect.

Other Options:

  • Mendelian inheritance pattern: This applies to single-gene traits where one gene determines the phenotype, with clear dominant and recessive alleles. Polygenic traits do not follow this pattern, as they are influenced by multiple genes and exhibit a range of phenotypes.
  • Autosomal dominant pattern: In this inheritance pattern, a single copy of a dominant allele on an autosome is sufficient to express the trait. 
  • X-linked recessive inheritance pattern: This pattern refers to traits caused by recessive alleles on the X chromosome. These traits are often seen more in males due to their single X chromosome. 
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