Unit 11 Vocab Quiz

Allele

Allele

Different forms of a gene that have the same position on a chromosome and determine specific traits.

Autosomal chromosome

Any of the chromosomes other than the sex chromosomes, responsible for carrying genes that determine most of an organism's traits.

Autosomal trait

A trait determined by genes located on autosomal chromosomes, affecting both males and females equally.

Codominance

A genetic scenario where neither allele is dominant or recessive, resulting in a phenotype where both traits are expressed simultaneously.

Dominant

An allele that masks the presence of a recessive allele, determining the phenotype when present.

F1 generation

The first generation of offspring resulting from a cross between two parental (P) generation individuals.

F2 generation

The second generation of offspring resulting from a cross between individuals of the F1 generation.

Gamete

A reproductive cell (sperm or egg) containing half the usual number of chromosomes, produced through meiosis.

Gene

A unit of heredity responsible for determining a specific trait, consisting of a sequence of DNA that codes for a functional product

Generation

A group of individuals born and living at the same time, typically within a specified period.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism, representing the combination of alleles present for a specific trait.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles at the same gene locus on homologous chromosomes.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles at the same gene locus on homologous chromosomes.

Incomplete Dominance

A genetic scenario where neither allele is completely dominant over the other, resulting in an intermediate phenotype.

Karyotype

A visual arrangement of an organism's chromosomes, used to identify chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders.

Mendel's Laws

Three fundamental principles of inheritance proposed by Gregor Mendel: the Law of Dominance, the Law of Segregation, and the Law of Independent Assortment.

Multiallelic trait

A trait controlled by multiple alleles, with more than two possible alleles at the gene locus.

P generation

The parental generation in a genetic cross, providing the initial set of traits being studied.

Pedigree

A diagram representing the genetic relationships among members of a family, used to analyze the inheritance of traits over generations.

Phenotype

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, determined by its genotype and environmental factors.

Polygenic trait

A trait influenced by multiple genes, with each gene contributing a small additive effect to the phenotype.

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring in a genetic cross.

Recessive

An allele that is expressed only when two copies are present, masked by the presence of a dominant allele.

Sex chromosome

A chromosome involved in determining an individual's sex, typically designated as X or Y.

Sex-linked trait

A trait controlled by genes located on the sex chromosomes, often resulting in different expression patterns between males and females.

Test cross

A breeding experiment used to determine the genotype of an individual displaying the dominant phenotype.

Trait

A specific characteristic or feature of an organism, determined by its genetic makeup and environmental influences.

Zygote

A diploid cell formed by the fusion of two gametes (sperm and egg) during fertilization, which develops into a new organism.