Inheritance

At this stage, most of you would probably be wondering about your hair or eye colour. The reality is that these are far more complex than senior level Bio. They are examples of polygenic inheritance.

Polygenic inheritance: when one characteristic is controlled by two or more genes

•Eye colour: the actual number of genes involved is unknown (90% can be explained with 6 genes, one study said 16…), BUT also affected by the Tyndall scattering of light effect (for example, ‘blue eyes’ have absolutely no blue pigment in them whatsoever…the same effect of you thinking the sky is blue. It’s. a. gas. Transparent. No blue pigment!).

•Hair colour: similar issue – we’re yet to fully establish the genetic explanation. We are yet to explain all of the different shades, etc.