Meiosis and Genetics Assessment

Allele

Variants of a gene found at the same place on a chromosome

Homologous Chromosomes

A pair of chromosomes, one from each parent, with genes for the same traits

Codominance

A condition in which both alleles are expressed equally in the phenotype (e.g., AB blood type)

Incomplete Dominance

A type of inheritance where a heterozygote has an intermediate phenotype (e.g., red + white = pink)

Karyotype

A display of the chromosome pairs of a cell arranged by size and shape

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a gene (can be dominant or recessive!)

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a gene.

Genotype

The genetic makeup (alleles) of an individual

Phenotype

The physical expression of a trait

Recessive Trait

A trait that is masked by the presence of a dominant allele

Dominant Trait

A trait that appears even when only one allele is present.

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict genetic outcomes

Pedigree

A chart that shows genetic relationships and traits across generations

X-linked Trait

A gene carried on the X chromosome

Autosomal Recessive

A disorder that occurs when both alleles on autosomes are mutated

Independent Assortment

The random distribution of alleles during meiosis

Segregation (Rule of)

The separation of allele pairs during gamete formation

Crossing Over

Exchange of chromosome segments during meiosis leading to genetic recombination

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and egg) with half the number of chromosomes

Diploid vs. Haploid

Diploid cells have two sets of chromosomes, haploid cells have one