Patterns of Genetic Inheritance

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from Chapter 21 on Patterns of Genetic Inheritance, including definitions of heredity, genotype, phenotype, and various types of genetic crosses and disorders.

Heredity

The genetic transmission of characteristics from parents to offspring.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an individual, represented by alleles.

Phenotype

The observable traits or characteristics of an individual, determined by genotype.

Allele

A variation of a gene that can result in different traits.

Dominant Allele

An allele that masks the expression of a recessive allele when present.

Recessive Allele

An allele that is masked by the presence of a dominant allele.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a specific gene.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a specific gene.

Monohybrid Cross

A genetic cross between parents that differ in a single trait.

Dihybrid Cross

A genetic cross between parents that differ in two traits.

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict the outcome of a genetic cross.

Pedigree

A chart that shows the lineage and inheritance patterns of traits.

Autosomal Genetic Disorder

A genetic disorder caused by a mutation in one of the non-sex chromosomes.

Polygenic Inheritance

Inheritance of traits that are controlled by multiple genes.

Pleiotropy

A phenomenon where one gene influences multiple traits.

Codominance

A genetic scenario where both alleles are expressed equally in the phenotype.

Incomplete Dominance

A genetic scenario where the phenotype is a blend of both alleles.

Sex-linked Inheritance

Inheritance patterns where genes are located on sex chromosomes.

X-linked Disorder

A genetic disorder caused by mutations in genes on the X chromosome.

Autosomal Recessive Disorder

A genetic disorder that occurs when an individual inherits two recessive alleles.

Autosomal Dominant Disorder

A genetic disorder that occurs when an individual inherits at least one dominant allele.