Question

(a) How are polygenic inheritance and multiple allelism different ? Explain with the help of an example each.
(b) List the criteria a chemical molecule must fulfill to be able to act as a genetic material.

Answer 1

(a) Polygenic Inheritance	Multiple allelism
(i) controlled by three or more genes	More then two alleles govern the same character
(ii) Example A-B-C gene control human skin colour	ABO blood grouping in humans

(b) - It should be able to generate its replica / replication
- It should be chemically and structurally stable
- It should provide the scope for slow changes / mutation that are required for evolution
- It should be able to express itself in the form of a Mendelian characters.