Intro to Human Genetics

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from an introductory human genetics lecture.

Human Genetics

The study of inheritance patterns in humans

Cell

Basic structural and functional unit of all known living organisms

Chromosome

A thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information.

Gene

A unit of heredity that is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring.

Karyotype

A diagram that shows a cell’s chromosomes arranged in order from largest to smallest

Use of Karyotypes

Can be used to determine whether or not an individual has any chromosomal abnormalities

Klinefelter's Syndrome

A male with an XXY chromosome makeup.

Patau's Syndrome

Genetic disorder where a person has three copies of chromosome 13.

Edwards' Syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 18th chromosome.