Patterns of Inheritance

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to Mendelian genetics and patterns of inheritance.

Gregor Mendel

A scientist who studied heredity using pea plants and formulated the basic laws of inheritance.

Monohybrid cross

A genetic cross between purebred parent plants that differ in only one character.

Genotype

The particular combination of alleles an organism has.

Phenotype

The physical outcome that an organism displays as a result of its genotype.

Law of Segregation

The principle that two alleles for a trait segregate from each other during gamete formation.

Punnett Square

A graphical method used to predict the possible offspring's genotypes and phenotypes based on the parents' genotypes.

Dihybrid cross

A genetic cross that involves two separate traits and demonstrates independent assortment.

Independent assortment

The principle that the inheritance of one trait does not affect the inheritance of another trait.

Codominance

A genetic situation where heterozygotes display both alleles simultaneously without a blending of phenotypes.

Pleiotropy

A phenomenon where one gene influences multiple characteristics.

Polygenic inheritance

The additive effects of two or more genes on a single phenotype.

Linked genes

Genes located on the same chromosome that tend to be inherited together.

Sex-linked genes

Genes located on the sex chromosomes (X or Y) that exhibit unique inheritance patterns.

Pedigree

A diagram that shows the occurrence and appearance of phenotypes of a particular gene or organism from one generation to the next.