Inheritance – Biology Notes
📘 What is Inheritance?
Inheritance is the process by which genetic information is passed
from parents to offspring.
Controlled by genes carried on chromosomes within the DNA.
🔬 Key Terms
Term Definition
A section of DNA that codes for a specific protein or
Gene
trait.
Different versions of a gene (e.g., blue vs brown eye
Allele
color).
Genotype The genetic makeup (e.g., Bb, bb, BB).
The physical expression of the genotype (e.g., eye
Phenotype
color).
Dominant
Always expressed if present (e.g., B in Bb).
allele
Recessive
Only expressed if two copies are present (e.g., bb).
allele
Homozygous Having two of the same alleles (BB or bb).
Heterozygou
Having two different alleles (e.g., Bb).
s
Long DNA molecule containing many genes (humans
Chromosome
have 46).
🧫 Types of Reproduction
1. Asexual Reproduction
Only one parent.
Offspring are genetically identical (clones).
No variation (except by mutation).
2. Sexual Reproduction
Involves two parents.
Gametes (sperm and egg) fuse during fertilization.
Offspring inherit half their DNA from each parent.
Leads to genetic variation.
📊 Inheritance in Action: Punnett Squares
Used to predict the probability of offspring genotypes and phenotypes.
Example: Brown eyes (B, dominant), blue eyes (b, recessive)
Parent genotypes: Bb × Bb
B b
B
B Bb
B
b Bb bb
Results:
75% chance brown eyes (BB, Bb)
25% chance blue eyes (bb)
👨👩👧👦 Inherited vs Environmental Traits
Inherited Traits Environmental Traits
Eye color, blood type, natural
Accent, scars, tattoos
hair color
Influenced by life
Controlled by genes
experience
Passed from parents Not passed genetically
Note: Some traits (like height or intelligence) are influenced by both.
🧬 DNA, Genes, Chromosomes
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): Molecule that carries genetic
instructions.
Genes: Segments of DNA that code for proteins.
Chromosomes: Structures made of DNA – humans have 23 pairs (46
total).
o One pair are sex chromosomes: XX (female), XY (male).
🧪 Mutations
A mutation is a change in DNA sequence.
Can be:
o Neutral: No effect.
o Beneficial: Leads to better survival (rare).
o Harmful: Causes diseases or disorders (e.g., cystic fibrosis).
Mutations in gametes can be passed to offspring.
⚖️Genetic Disorders (Examples)
Inheritance
Disorder Notes
Type
Cystic Fibrosis Recessive Must inherit two faulty alleles.
Huntington's Only one copy of faulty allele
Dominant
Disease causes it.
Sickle Cell
Codominant Carriers show some traits.
Anemia
🧫 Modern Genetics
Genetic testing: Identifies inherited disorders.
Genetic engineering: Modifying genes (e.g., insulin production).
Genome project: Mapping all human genes (Human Genome Project).
