Lecture Notes on Mendelian Inheritance and Probability

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to probability and Mendelian inheritance as discussed in the lecture.

Product rule

The rule stating that the probability of two independent events occurring together is the product of their individual probabilities.

Sum rule

The rule that states the probability of either of two mutually exclusive events occurring is the sum of their individual probabilities.

Genetic variation

Differences in alleles of genes among individuals, which meiosis contributes to through processes like independent assortment and crossing over.

Allele

An alternate version of a gene found at a specific locus on a chromosome.

Homozygous

An organism that has two identical alleles for a particular gene.

Heterozygous

An organism that has two different alleles for a particular gene.

Mendel’s Law of Segregation

The principle stating that the two alleles for each trait separate during gamete formation and unite at random during fertilization.

Law of Independent Assortment

The law that states the alleles of different genes assort independently of one another during gamete formation.

Testcross

A genetic cross between a homozygous recessive individual and an unknown genotype individual to determine the unknown genotype.

Phenotype

The observable traits or characteristics of an organism.

Genotype

The genetic makeup or alleles of an organism that determines a particular trait.

Crossing over

The process during meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, leading to genetic diversity.

Experimental design

The process of planning an experiment to ensure valid and reliable results, crucial to Mendel's success in his studies of inheritance.