How many distinct phenotypic categories should be observed for a polygenic trait in humans that results from segregation of additive alleles for 10 genes?
A) 5
B) 20
C) 21
D) 10
E) 4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For a polygenic trait involving n genes, each with two alleles (additive), the number of distinct phenotypic categories can be calculated using the formula 2n + 1. For 10 genes, this results in 2*10 + 1 = 21 distinct phenotypic categories.

How Many Distinct Phenotypic Categories Should Be Observed for a Polygenic