Question

What is the difference between Mendelian and polygenic traits?

Answer 1

Genetic traits: Characteristics encoded in DNA are referred to as genetic traits.

Mendelian traits: Mendel's laws are traits controlled by a single locus in a genetic pattern. In such cases, mutations in a single gene can cause diseases that are inherited according to Mendel's laws.

Polygenic traits: Polygene inheritance is a non-Mendelian pattern of inheritance in which specific traits are produced by the interaction of genes at many sites (ie, polygenes).

Difference between Mendelian and polygenic traits:

Mendelian traits	Polygenic traits
Definition: A Mendelian trait is a trait that is controlled by pair of genes.	Definition: A polygenic trait is a trait that is influenced by three or more genes, such as height or skin color.
A single gene determines Mendelian traits.	Polygenic traits are impacted by numerous genes.
Phenotype: The phenotype is of either recessive or dominant allele.	Phenotype: The phenotype reflects the contributions of each allele along with the influence of the environment.
Law of inheritance: Mendelian traits follow the law of inheritance described by Mendel.	Law of inheritance: Polygenic traits do not follow inheritance laws.
Example: Tall plants or short plants.	Example: Skin color in humans.