Pedigree Chart Maker Pedigree Charts
Describe the family structure and inheritance pattern, and our AI will create a professional genetics pedigree chart instantly. Perfect for biology classes, genetic counseling, and research.
Pedigree Chart Generator
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Pedigree Chart Examples
Browse genetics pedigree examples or generate your own above
Autosomal Recessive Inheritance
Three-generation pedigree showing autosomal recessive inheritance with carrier parents and affected offspring, using standard genetics symbols.
X-Linked Recessive Pattern
X-linked recessive inheritance pedigree showing carrier mothers passing traits to affected sons, classic pattern for conditions like hemophilia.
Autosomal Dominant Inheritance
Autosomal dominant inheritance pedigree showing the trait appearing in every generation with 50% transmission probability.
Sickle Cell Trait Pedigree
Real-world pedigree example for sickle cell anemia showing carriers with sickle cell trait and affected individuals.
Royal Family Hemophilia
Famous historical pedigree showing the spread of hemophilia B through European royalty descended from Queen Victoria.
Pedigree Symbols Reference
Complete reference guide of standard pedigree chart symbols used in genetics for students and researchers.
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What is a Pedigree Chart?
A pedigree chart is a diagram that maps the inheritance of a specific trait or genetic condition across multiple generations of a family. Using standardized symbols — squares for males, circles for females, filled shapes for affected individuals — pedigree charts allow geneticists, genetic counselors, and students to visualize how traits are passed from parents to offspring. Pedigree analysis is a fundamental tool in genetics education and clinical genetics, helping identify inheritance patterns such as autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked, and mitochondrial inheritance.
Standard Pedigree Symbols
- Square — male individual; Circle — female individual
- Filled (shaded) shape — individual affected by the trait or condition
- Half-filled shape — carrier of a recessive trait (heterozygous)
- Circle with center dot — carrier female for X-linked recessive traits
- Horizontal line connecting male and female — mating/partnership
- Vertical line descending — offspring; Roman numerals (I, II, III) label generations
- Diagonal line through symbol — deceased individual
- Double horizontal line — consanguineous (related) mating
Identifying Inheritance Patterns
The key to pedigree analysis is recognizing which inheritance pattern fits the observed family data. Autosomal dominant traits appear in every generation and affected individuals always have at least one affected parent. Autosomal recessive traits can skip generations, and affected individuals often have unaffected carrier parents. X-linked recessive traits predominantly affect males, with carrier mothers passing the trait to sons. X-linked dominant traits affect females more frequently and an affected father passes the trait to all daughters but no sons. Mitochondrial inheritance passes only through the maternal line.
How to Construct a Pedigree Chart
- Start with the proband (the individual who brought the family to attention) and work outward
- Use standardized symbols consistently throughout the diagram
- Number each generation with Roman numerals (I, II, III) from top to bottom
- Number individuals within each generation from left to right (1, 2, 3, etc.)
- Connect mated pairs with a horizontal line and draw offspring below
- Indicate affected status, carrier status, and deceased individuals with proper symbols
- Add genotype labels if the inheritance pattern is known
Applications in Genetic Counseling
Pedigree charts are essential tools in genetic counseling. Counselors use family pedigrees to assess the risk of genetic conditions in future offspring, identify at-risk family members who should be tested, and explain inheritance patterns to families in an accessible visual format. Clinical pedigrees often include additional information such as age of onset, severity of symptoms, and results of genetic testing. Our AI pedigree maker helps create clear, accurate pedigrees that can serve as educational tools for both professionals and patients.
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