The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance

Flashcards summarizing key concepts from the lecture on the chromosomal basis of inheritance.

Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance

The theory stating that genes are located on chromosomes and that chromosomes segregate during the formation of gametes.

Law of Independent Assortment

States that alleles of genes on non-homologous chromosomes assort independently during gamete formation.

Sex-linked Genes

Genes located on sex chromosomes, often associated with traits unrelated to sex; in humans, usually refers to X-linked genes.

Aneuploidy

A condition resulting from the fertilization of gametes in which nondisjunction occurred, leading to an abnormal number of a specific chromosome.

Polyploidy

A condition in which an organism has more than two complete sets of chromosomes, common in plants.

Genomic Imprinting

A phenomenon where the phenotype depends on which parent passed along the alleles for those traits.

Recombinant Phenotypes

Offspring with combinations of traits that differ from either parent due to genetic recombination.

Nondisjunction

The failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate properly during meiosis.

Barr Body

The condensed inactive X chromosome in female mammals, resulting from X inactivation.

Linkage Map

A genetic map based on recombination frequencies that shows the order and relative distances between genes on a chromosome.