Chapter 1-7 Key Vocabulary: Genetics & Evolution (Vocabulary Flashcards)

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key genetics and evolution concepts from Chapter 1 through Chapter 7 notes. Terms and concise definitions focus on foundational ideas students are expected to know and recall.

gene

A basic unit of heredity; a specific sequence of DNA that encodes a functional product (usually a protein or RNA).

allele

A variant form of a gene; different versions that may be inherited from each parent.

homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a given gene.

heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a given gene.

dominant

An allele that is expressed in the phenotype when present in at least one copy; masks the recessive allele.

recessive

An allele that is expressed in the phenotype only when two copies are present; masked by a dominant allele in heterozygotes.

P generation

The parental generation used in genetic crosses; the original pair of individuals.

F1 generation

First filial generation; offspring of the parental cross.

F2 generation

Second filial generation; offspring of the F1 cross.

seven properties of life

The characteristics of living organisms: order, regulation, growth and development, energy processing, response to the environment, reproduction, and evolution.

energy processing

The use of energy to perform work and maintain order, a core aspect of metabolism.

photosynthesis

Process by which organisms convert light energy into chemical energy stored in sugars.

cellular respiration

Process of converting chemical energy from nutrients into usable ATP energy inside cells.

diffusion

Passive movement of molecules from high to low concentration, across spaces or membranes.

osmosis

Diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

central dogma of molecular biology

Genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein (transcription and translation).

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; the molecule that stores genetic information.

gamete

A haploid reproductive cell (sperm or egg) that combines with another gamete during fertilization.

fertilization

Union of two gametes that restores the diploid state and combines parental genetic information.

zygote

The fertilized egg formed from the union of sperm and egg.

information (unifying theme)

Biological information is stored and transmitted mainly in DNA and passed through reproduction.

organization (unifying theme)

At each level of biological organization, new properties emerge from interactions of components.

energy and matter (unifying theme)

Life requires matter for biomass and energy to do work; energy flows and is transformed.

interactions (unifying theme)

Organisms interact within ecosystems (e.g., predator-prey, mutualism, competition).

virus

A biological entity whose status as living is debated; relies on a host to replicate and function.

archaea (extreme genome reduction)

A group of microorganisms with unusually small genomes; extreme gene loss can require a host for energy.

predation

An ecological interaction where one organism feeds on another (predator–prey relationship).

mutualism

A symbiotic relationship where both interacting species benefit.

herbivory

An interaction where an animal feeds on plants (plant material).

model organism

A species studied extensively to understand biological processes applicable to other organisms (e.g., zebrafish, mice).

evolution

Change in allele frequencies in a population over generations, leading to adaptation and diversity.

Mendelian genetics

Inheritance patterns described by Mendel, including dominant and recessive alleles and segregation.

Darwin’s finches

A classic example illustrating natural selection and adaptive radiation in related species.