What Mendel wrought

Article Abstract:

Gregor Johann Mendel's research on inheritance using pea plants proved that particular traits are inherited from parents. These traits were shown to be governed by a pair of alleles, one inherited from the father, the other, from the mother. Mendel also proved the segregation of alleles, the combination of which has equal probabilities. Independent inheritance of different traits and inheritance of multi-allelic traits giving rise to variations were also proven by Mendel's experiments.

Mendel's law, Mendel's laws, Mendel, Gregor

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Fragile x syndrome

Article Abstract:

The gap or break in the X chromosome is called the fragile X syndrome. This gap at location xq27 causes inherited mental retardation in about 4% of all cases. Scientists have discovered the fragile X mental retardation gene, expressed in the brain, the code for which is practically in the same region as the fragile X location. The current explanation is that imprinting may cause inactivation of this gene leading to mental retardation.

Abnormalities, Causes of, Fragile X syndrome, Genetic disorders, Mental retardation, X chromosome

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Mechanisms Mendel never knew

Article Abstract:

Imprinting is a state of temporary gene inactivation in which a trait is not expressed. DNA methylation is believed to be the regulatory process involved in gene inactivation. Cells recognize the parental origin of a gene through imprinting which is dependent on the sex of the parental donor of the trait. It is a form of nontraditional inheritance not explained by Mendelian genetics.

Physiological aspects, DNA, Methylation

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