CLASS 10 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE

Basics of human genetics – principles and applications

How it works

Human genetics studies how traits and genetically determined characteristics are inherited in humans. It examines how genes are located on chromosomes and how they are passed from generation to generation. Important terms include genotype (genetic makeup), phenotype (observable traits), dominant and recessive inheritance patterns, as well as changes in genes or chromosomes. Family trees, for example, are used to analyse patterns of inheritance. This topic focuses on the general principles of inheritance; individual diagnoses are not dealt with here.

Note
This topic examines general rules of inheritance and patterns of inheritance in humans. Family trees and terms such as dominant, recessive, autosomal and gonosomal help to identify inheritance patterns. The focus is on general principles, not on the assessment of individual medical cases.

An example

Which statement best describes an autosomal-dominant inheritance pattern?

Correct: The trait typically appears in successive generations and affects men and women equally. Explanation: In autosomal-dominant inheritance, one altered allele on an autosome is usually sufficient for the trait to be expressed. That is why it often appears in family trees in several successive generations and affects both sexes equally.

Try it yourself now

50 Exercises · three difficulty levels · selection and number input

To the learning unit →

Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: KMK Educational Standards Mathematics ESA/MSA. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.