Heredity

polygenic inheritance

when several genes influence a trait

Allele

A version of a gene

Codominance

When the heterozygous genotype results in a phenotype where both alleles are fully and separately expressed

Autosomes

Chromosomes 1-44 in a human

Recessive

Only expressed in the homozygous state

Sex-linked

Genes that travel on the X chromosome

Law of Independent Assortment

Chromosomes line up randomly during metaphase therefore it is possible for any combination of chromosomes to be passed on from parent to offspring

Karyotype

A diagram that shows homologous chromosome pairs

Protein

The macromolecule that runs your body and expresses traits

Heterozygous

A genotype resulting from the inheritance of two different alleles from your parents

Gene

section of a chromosome that codes for a single protein

Linked genes

Genes that are likely inherited together due to their physical proximity

Dominant

Overshadows the other allele in the heterozygous state

Phenotype

The physical trait expressed

Multiple alleles

More than two versions of a gene

Chromosomes

Condensed genetic material

Epistasis

When one gene overshadows another

Law of Segregation

At the end of meiosis, each gamete formed should only have 1 copy from each homologous chromosome pair

Homozygous

A genotype resulting from the inheritance of the same alleles from your parents

DNA

The macromolecule that has the instructions for making you who you are

incomplete dominance

When the heterozygous geneotype results in a phenotype where two alleles are blended

Genotype

The actual alleles you inherit

sex chromosomes

Chromosomes that determine the sex of an individual

Carrier

A person who has a gene for a trait or disease but doesn't show it

Law of Dominance

Some versions of genes are dominant over others