Complex Genetic Traits, Heritability, and DNA Profiling

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to complex genetic traits, heritability, and DNA profiling as discussed in the lecture.

Polygenic Traits

Traits influenced by more than one gene.

Quantitative Traits

Traits determined by multiple genes interacting with the environment, showing continuous variation.

Heritability

The amount of variation for a trait in a population that can be explained by differences in genes among individuals.

Eyewitness Testimony

Testimony relies on visible physical characteristics to secure convictions.

DNA Profiling

A technique using differences in DNA sequences to positively identify individuals.

Normal Distribution Curve

A graph representing the distribution of a trait, where most individuals cluster around the mean.

Variance

The width of a distribution curve indicating the variability of a trait in a population.

Short Tandem Repeats (STRs)

The 13 DNA sequences used in DNA profiling that vary in the human population.

Mendelian Traits

Traits influenced by a single gene and typically show discrete variations.

Twin Studies

Studies comparing the prevalence of traits in monozygotic versus dizygotic twins to determine genetic influences.

Epigenetics

The study of changes in phenotypes caused by changes in gene expression, not DNA sequence.