This section contains links to resources that explain the different patterns of inheritance that may be seen: Mendelian (also called 'single gene' or 'simple'), multifactorial (also called 'complex') and chromosomal. Links to further information on anticipation, mosaicism, uniparental disomy (UPD) and imprinting are also provided.
The InnovAIT article 'Recognizing the common patterns of inheritance in families' outlines patterns of inheritance in a primary care setting.
An overview of different patterns of inheritance can be found in the Genetics Home Reference on-line handbook (USA).
'Clinical Genetics: A self-study guide for healthcare providers' (USA) is a down-loadable course developed in 1998. It provides a detailed, and still current, explanation of Mendelian patterns of inheritance.
A brief introduction to simple patterns of inheritance can be found on the Wellcome Trust website. More detailed information can also be found on:
The Genetics Home Reference on-line handbook (USA) has descriptions of UPD and imprinting and anticipation.
Last updated: 13 October 2011
