Genetic Variation and Mutations

This flashcard set covers key vocabulary related to genetic variation, mutations, and their implications for evolution and phenotypic expression.

Paternal Chromosome

The chromosome inherited from the father.

Maternal Chromosome

The chromosome inherited from the mother.

DNA Replication

The process of making a copy of DNA before cell division.

Crossing Over

A process during meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange segments, increasing genetic variation.

Point Mutation

A mutation that affects a single nucleotide in the DNA sequence.

Insertion Mutation

A mutation where additional base pairs are added to the DNA sequence.

Deletion Mutation

A mutation where one or more base pairs are removed from the DNA sequence.

Gene Duplication

A mutation that results in the replication of a segment of DNA, creating an extra copy.

Inversion

A type of mutation that involves the reversal of a segment of a chromosome.

Chromosome Fusion

The joining of two chromosomes into a single chromosome, which can affect genetic information.

Genome Duplication

A mutation where the entire genome is duplicated, leading to increased genetic material.

Ectodysplasin (Eda) Gene

A gene known to influence the development of ectodermal structures, including body armor in stickleback fish.

Cis-acting Elements

Regulatory DNA sequences that influence the expression of nearby genes.

Trans-acting Factors

Proteins or elements that can regulate genes far away from where they are located on the genome.

Melanocortin-1 Receptor (MC1R)

A gene that is associated with pigmentation in various species.

Natural Selection

The process through which traits that improve survival and reproduction become more common in a population.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism as determined by genotype and environment.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual, including all of its alleles.

Polyphenism

The phenomenon where one genotype can produce multiple phenotypes depending on environmental conditions.

Quantitative Traits

Phenotypic traits that are influenced by multiple genes and can vary continuously.