Key differences, features, and comparative analysis of Polygenic inheritance and Pleiotropy.
| Polygenic inheritance | Pleiotropy |
|---|---|
| Many genes → one trait | One gene → many traits |
| Phenotype = additive effect of alleles + environment; shows a range/gradient. | A single gene affects several, seemingly unrelated, characters. |
| Examples: human skin colour, height. | Examples: phenylketonuria, sickle-cell anaemia, starch synthesis in pea (round/wrinkled). |
This comparison table is part of the chapter notes for Principles of Inheritance and Variation. Get complete notes, flashcards, active recall sheets, and test prep modes: