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Biology of Wrongful Convictions
Chapter 9, Problem 4

A quantitative trait                   . a. may be one that is strongly influenced by the environment; b. varies continuously in a population; c. may be influenced by many genes; d. is not either off or on; e. all of the above

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Understand the definition of a quantitative trait: A quantitative trait is a measurable phenotype that depends on the cumulative actions of many genes and the environment.
Analyze option (a): Consider if environmental factors can influence the expression of quantitative traits.
Examine option (b): Reflect on whether quantitative traits show a range of continuous variation within a population, rather than being limited to discrete categories.
Consider option (c): Evaluate if quantitative traits can be influenced by multiple genes, which is known as polygenic inheritance.
Review option (d): Think about the nature of quantitative traits in terms of their expression, specifically if they can be described as having non-binary states (not just 'on' or 'off').

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Quantitative Traits

Quantitative traits are characteristics that can be measured and quantified, such as height, weight, or blood pressure. Unlike qualitative traits, which are categorical (e.g., flower color), quantitative traits exhibit a range of phenotypes due to the influence of multiple genetic and environmental factors.
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Polygenic Inheritance

Polygenic inheritance refers to the phenomenon where multiple genes contribute to a single trait. This results in a continuous distribution of phenotypes, as each gene may have a small additive effect on the trait, leading to variations within a population.
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Environmental Influence

The environment plays a significant role in the expression of quantitative traits. Factors such as nutrition, climate, and lifestyle can affect how genes are expressed, leading to variations in traits that are not solely determined by genetic makeup.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Is a round yellow pea seed (genotype RrYy) an example of polygenic inheritance? Why or why not
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Textbook Question
What factors cause quantitative variation in a trait within a population?
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Textbook Question
The DNA profile below is from a mother, a father, and their child. Compare the bands found in the child's profile. What is true of every band shown in the child's profile?

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Textbook Question
When graphing the phenotypes of a trait controlled by many genes and the environment, the line showing the frequency of each phenotype resembles                   . a. a horizontal, straight line; b. a vertical, straight line; c. the letter T; d. a bell shape; e. a circle
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Textbook Question
Epigenetic changes involving methylation can directly affect the phenotype of an individual or her offspring by                   . a. causing correlations between parents and children; b. causing changes to the DNA that affect gene expression but not DNA sequence; c. generating low heritability; d. increasing the likelihood of monozygotic twinning; e. sterilizing the DNA
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Textbook Question
Which of the following is not part of the procedure used to make a DNA profile? a. Short tandem repeat sequences are amplified by PCR; b. DNA is placed in a gel and subjected to an electric current; c. The genes that encode DNA sequence are cloned into bacteria; d. DNA from blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or hair root cells can be used for analysis.
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