Pedigree

• What is a pedigree?

  A pedigree is a genetic diagram that shows family traits.
• What information does a pedigree provide about family traits?

  A pedigree shows traits from ancestors, the present generation, and possible future offspring.
• How can a pedigree be used in genetics?

  A pedigree can be used to identify and analyze sex-linked traits.
• What are the three generations represented in a pedigree?


  The ancestors, the present generation, and possible future offspring.
• What is Duchenne muscular dystrophy?

  A hereditary disease that causes degeneration of the muscles, leading to muscle weakness
• Who does Duchenne muscular dystrophy primarily affect?

  It affects only males
• What is the role of the mother if she is a carrier of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy trait?

  The mother can pass the X chromosome with the trait to her male offspring
• How does the inheritance of Duchenne muscular dystrophy occur in male offspring if the mother is a carrier?

  A portion of the male offspring would inherit the trait from the mother
• What chromosomes do males have that are relevant to Duchenne muscular dystrophy inheritance?

  Males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome (XY)
• From which parent does the Y chromosome come in males?

  The Y chromosome comes from the father
• From which parent does the X chromosome come in males?

  The X chromosome comes from the mother
• What happens to the male offspring if the mother is a carrier of the gene for Duchenne muscular dystrophy?

  A portion of the male offspring would inherit the trait