How are attached earlobes inherited?

If they attach directly to the side of the head, they are attached earlobes. Some scientists have reported that this trait is due to a single gene for which unattached earlobes is dominant and attached earlobes is recessive. The size and appearance of the lobes are also inherited traits.

What gene is responsible for earlobes?

Consider earlobe attachment. A single autosomal gene with two alleles determines whether you have attached earlobes or free-hanging earlobes. The allele for free-hanging earlobes (F) is dominant to the allele for attached earlobes (f). Other single-gene autosomal traits include widow’s peak and hitchhiker’s thumb.

Are dangly earlobes recessive?

Attached earlobe: The myth free earlobes are often used to illustrate basic genetics. The myth is that earlobes can be divided into into two clear categories, free and attached, and that a single gene controls the trait, with the allele for free earlobes being dominant. Neither part of the myth is true.

Is the earlobe a trait or a myth?

The myth is that earlobes can be divided into into two clear categories, free and attached, and that a single gene controls the trait, with the allele for free earlobes being dominant. Neither part of the myth is true. Earlobes ranging from unattached (upper left) to attached (lower right).

Are there any genetic conditions that affect the earlobe?

“By understanding that complexity, we can work toward treatments for genetic conditions, several of which have distinct facial features that involve the earlobe, including Mowat-Wilson Syndrome, which can cause cupped ears with protruding lobes.” Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn . Check out my website or some of my other work here .

Which is the dominant gene for free hanging earlobes?

A single autosomal gene with two alleles determines whether you have attached earlobes or free-hanging earlobes. The allele for free-hanging earlobes (F) is dominant to the allele for attached earlobes (f). Other single-gene autosomal traits include widow’s peak and hitchhiker’s thumb.

How are earlobes classified as attached or free?

They classified earlobes in which the lowest point of the earlobe was the attachment point “attached”, and classified all other earlobes as “free”. After looking at 347 families they concluded that “a simple Mendelian gene effect is unlikely to be responsible for the earlobe types”. The table below is the data they recorded: