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Hereditary characteristic

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Hereditary characteristic  (HEREDITARY characteristic)


A distinction has sometimes been attempted between hereditary characteristics1, which are inherited, and acquired characteristics2 which are not so transmitted. This is now viewed as a distinction of degree only, because most phenotypic3 characteristics, i. e., observed characteristics, involve the interaction of both genotypic4, i. e., inherited factors, and environmental factors. The characteristics determined by a dominant5 gene (901-3) will appear in all who inherit it; this is not true of a recessive6 gene. The dominance of a gene, however, may be incomplete or its influence may be masked by other geaes in polygenic action. A lethal characteristic7 generally brings about the early death of the foetus (602-7). Changes in genes, called mutations8, are chance variations, and may be pathological in effect. Panmixia9 is the formation of unions (501-3) at random, i. e., without regard to the affiliation of the parties to genetic groups.
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