Inheritance & EvolutionTopic Summary

Knowledge Organiser

Part of Inherited DisordersGCSE Biology

This topic summary covers Knowledge Organiser within Inherited Disorders for GCSE Biology. Genetic disorders, family pedigrees, and probability calculations It is section 9 of 10 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 9 of 10

Practice

25 questions

Recall

20 flashcards

Knowledge Organiser

Disorder Comparison
  • CF — recessive, allele symbol f, need ff
  • Polydactyly — dominant, allele symbol P, need P_
  • CF carriers (Ff) — healthy, no symptoms
  • Polydactyly carriers — do not exist (they have the condition)
  • CF: thick sticky mucus in lungs + gut
  • Polydactyly: extra fingers or toes
Punnett Square Probabilities
  • Ff x Ff: 25% ff (CF), 50% Ff (carrier), 25% FF
  • Pp x pp: 50% Pp (polydactyly), 50% pp (normal)
  • Ff x ff: 50% Ff (carrier), 50% ff (CF)
  • 1/4 = 25% | 1/2 = 50% | 3/4 = 75%
Common Marks Lost
  • Saying carriers are "slightly ill" — they are completely healthy
  • Confusing CF (recessive) with polydactyly (dominant)
  • Not stating probability as fraction AND percentage
  • Forgetting to balance ethical argument — always give both sides
  • Not using correct allele notation (f for CF, P for polydactyly)

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Inherited Disorders. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Inherited Disorders

What is an inherited disorder?

  • A. A disease caused by faulty genes passed from parents to offspring
  • B. A disease caught from other people
  • C. A disease caused by poor diet
  • D. A disease caused by aging
1 markfoundation

Describe how genetic screening can be used to detect inherited disorders.

4 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What is the effect of a dominant allele on polydactyly?
Extra fingers or toes; Can be surgically corrected; Not usually harmful
What is the effect of a recessive allele on cystic fibrosis?
Thick, sticky mucus in lungs and digestive system; Difficulty breathing, frequent infections

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