Chapter 2. Practical Inheritance
Published Online: 19 MAR 2002
DOI: 10.1002/0471223913.ch2
Copyright © 1999 by Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Book Title
The Practical Guide to the Genetic Family History
Additional Information
How to Cite
Bennett, R. L. (2002) Practical Inheritance, in The Practical Guide to the Genetic Family History, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, USA. doi: 10.1002/0471223913.ch2
Publication History
- Published Online: 19 MAR 2002
- Published Print: 7 APR 1999
ISBN Information
Print ISBN: 9780471251545
Online ISBN: 9780471223917
- Summary
- Chapter
Keywords:
- inheritance patterns;
- inheritance patterns (non-traditional);
- X-linked inheritance;
- mitochondrial inheritance;
- contiguous gene
Summary
This chapter provides clues for distinguishing the primary patterns of human inheritance including:
Autosomal dominant
Autosomal recessive
X-linked (dominant and recessive)
Chromosomal
Contiguous gene
Mitochondrial
Multifactorial and polygenic disorders
Y-inheritance
Non-traditional patterns of inheritance
Confounding factors for recognizing patterns of inheritance are also reviewed. These include:
Variable expressivity
Clinical or genetic heterogeneity
Sex-influenced or sex-limited gene expression
Assortative mating
Family size
Misattributed paternity
New hereditary mutations
Mosaicism (somatic and gonadal)
Sporadic conditions
Environmental factors
The family pedigree serves as a template for new discoveries in gene action and interaction as the practice of genomic medicine unfolds.