Complex Traits Study Guide

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to complex traits in genetics, designed to aid in understanding key concepts and terms from Chapter 16.

Complex Trait

A trait influenced by the action of many genes and environmental factors.

Single Gene Trait

A trait controlled by a single gene.

Quantitative Trait

A trait that is measurable and typically displays continuous variation.

Environmental Risk Factor

An environmental variable that increases the likelihood of developing a complex trait.

Inbred Line

A genetically homogeneous group of organisms derived from repeated mating of closely related individuals.

Normal Distribution

A probability distribution that is symmetric about the mean, showing that data near the mean are more frequent in occurrence.

Norm of Reaction

The range of phenotypes produced by a given genotype under different environmental conditions.

Genotype-by-Environment Interaction

The phenomenon in which the effect of a genotype varies depending on the environment.

Heritability

A measure of how much of the variation in a trait can be attributed to genetic differences among individuals.

Regression Toward the Mean

The phenomenon whereby extreme or unusual measurements tend to be closer to the average upon retesting.

Monozygotic Twins

Twins that are genetically identical because they originated from a single fertilized egg that split into two.

Dizygotic Twins

Twins that are produced from two separate eggs fertilized by two different sperm.

Concordance

The occurrence of the same trait in both members of a pair of twins.

Pleiotropy

The ability of a single gene to influence multiple phenotypic traits.

Personalized Medicine

A medical model that tailors treatment to the individual characteristics, needs, and preferences of patients, often based on genetic information.