Polygenic Traits: Fingerprint Ridge Analysis
In this laboratory, the properties of a polygenic trait in humans, fingerprint ridge patterns,
will be examined. Using population data pooled from the genetics class as a whole, we
will demonstrate the quantitative properties of a trait that is not only polygenic in
determination but multifactorial as well. Holy crap that is a big word! But it means
fingerprint ridge patterns result from environmental influences on the expression of a
number of interacting genes. At least seven genes are thought to be involved in finger
ridge formation (Penrose, 1969).
The inheritance of polygenic traits cannot be analyzed by the simpler methods
appropriate for single-gene traits….like a Punnett Square. Polygenic traits, in contrast to
single-gene traits and chromosomal aberrations, exhibit a wide and continuous range of
expression. Look around the room and see all the hair colors…..variation is where it is at
in nature. (Unless you color your hair like I often do). These traits are considered
quantitative traits in that the phenotype can be measured in a quantitative way (weight,
size, life-span, IQ, etc.). The polygenic inheritance model describes the nature of
fingerprint ridge patterns well.
There are three major groups of dermal ridge patterns: ( I) arches, (2) loops, and (3)
whorls (see Figure 2). The arch is the least frequent pattern, subdivided into two groups,
plain (the ridges rise slightly over the middle of the finger) and tented (the ridges rise to a
point in the center). The loop pattern is more complicated. It consists of a core and a tri-
radius (a point where three ridge groups meet at angles of about 120 degrees). The
core is a ridge surrounded by areas of ridges that turn back on themselves. Loops are
classified as radial or ulnar depending on the direction of the core ridge. Radial loops
have a triradius that is on the side of the little finger, with the loop opening towards the
thumb. The ulnar loop has a tri-radius that is on the side of the thumb, with the loop
opening towards the little finger. The whorl pattern on the other hand, has two tri-radii
with the ridges inside the whorl consisting of a number of different patterns.
Pattern Frequency (%)
Arch 5.0
Radial Loop 5.4
Ulnar Loop 63.5
Whorl 26.1
Table I. Fingerprint pattern frequencies in the general population
The quantitative trait whose inheritance we will be investigating is called the TOT AL
RIDGE COUNT (TRC). The TRC is the sum of ridge counts on all fingers of both hands.
In a study by Holt (1968), the average TRC for males was found to be 145 and for
females it was found to be 126.
Procedure and Results:
To prepare a set of your fingerprints, determine your TRC, and record your data, you
must first prepare a chart of your ten fingerprints. Use a #2 pencil and shade in a 3cm
square area on a piece of plain paper to make an 'ink' pad. Rub one of your fingers gently
on the graphite square, making certain that you have covered all of the tri-radii of the
fingerprint. Now carefully place a piece of clear tape onto your blackened finger so that
the tape comes in contact with entire print. Make certain that you include any tri-radii on
the outer edges of the finger by rolling the finger over the tape in one continuous motion.
Peel away the tape and affix it to the appropriate place on your chart.
Repeat this process, preparing a print for each of your ten fingers. Examine each print
carefully; if a print is incomplete or smeared, prepare a new one. If necessary, use a
magnifying glass to classify the pattern (arch, loop, or whorl) and to determine the ridge
count for each print.
To determine your TRC add together each of your individual ridge counts. Arches have a
ridge count of zero. For loops, count the number of ridges between the tri-radius and the
center or core of the pattern. For whorls, a ridge count is made from each tri- radius to the
center of the fingerprint and the higher of the two possible counts is recorded. Note the
prints in Figure 2 below:
A B C
Examples of some fingerprint patterns and the TRC for each example. A: arch with no
tri-radius and ridge count of 0; B: loop with one tri-radius and a ridge count of 12; C:
whorl with two tri-radii and a ridge count of 15 (the higher of the two possible counts.
Record your fingerprint pattern data, total ridge count, and sex in the excel spreadsheet
set up by Mr. Peterson. Collect the data from the class (on Mr. Peterson’s website) when
available so that you can compare the data for the entire class.
REFERENCES:
Holt, S. B., The Genetics of Dermal Ridges. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas, 1968.
Penrose, L. S., Dermatoglyphics. Scientific American, 221 (6): 72-83, 1969.
Mendenhall, G., T. Mertens, and I. Hendrix, Fingerprint ridgecount-A polygenic trait
useful in classroom instruction. The American Biology Teacher, 51 (4):203-207 , 1989.
Table 1. Format for data sheet for fingerprints: Adjust spacing to allow room for placing
fingerprints at indicated locations.
RIGHT HAND
Thumb Second Third Fourth Fifth
Pattern R/U
Ridge Count
Total =
Place Prints
in This Space:
LEFT HAND
Thumb Second Third Fourth Fifth
Pattern R/U
Ridge Count
Total =
Place Prints
in This Space:
Total Ridge Count = (right hand total + left hand total)
Answer these on a separate sheet of paper, when you have completed the histogram.
[Link] the class data is compiled, construct a histogram in the style of SB Holt.
2. How do the class average TRC compare with Holt’s data?
3. How does your personal TRC compare with the class average and Holt’s data?
4. What could explain the variation between your data and Holt’s?
5. In what 2 ways is Mendelian (dominant/recessive) different from polygenic
inheritance?
6. In what 2 ways is it the same?