Biological Beginnings: Principles of Hereditary Transmission

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on hereditary transmission, genetics, and chromosomal abnormalities.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual.

Phenotype

The observable physical and physiological traits of an individual.

Chromosome

A structure composed of DNA and proteins that carries genetic information.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

A specialized type of cell division that produces gametes with half the chromosome number.

Monozygotic twins

Identical twins developed from a single fertilized egg.

Dizygotic twins

Fraternal twins developed from two separate eggs fertilized by different sperm.

Twin studies

Research examining the similarities and differences between identical and fraternal twins.

Behaviour Genetics

The study of the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to behavior.

Gene expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products like proteins.

Dominant trait

A trait that is expressed when at least one dominant allele is present.

Recessive trait

A trait that is only expressed when two recessive alleles are present.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a particular gene.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a particular gene.

Incomplete dominance

A genetic condition where the phenotype of a heterozygote is intermediate between the phenotypes of the two homozygotes.

Co-dominance

A genetic condition in which both alleles in a heterozygous individual contribute to the phenotype.

Polygenic inheritance

A trait controlled by multiple genes.

X-linked inheritance

A mode of genetic inheritance for genes located on the X chromosome.

Genetic abnormalities

Changes in the DNA sequence that can result in disorders or diseases.

Chromosomal abnormalities

Structural or numerical alterations in chromosomes.

Down syndrome

A chromosomal condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.

Fragile X syndrome

An inherited form of intellectual disability caused by a mutation in the FMR1 gene.

Turner Syndrome

A chromosomal disorder in which a female is partly or completely missing an X chromosome.

Klinefelter syndrome

A genetic condition in which a male has an extra X chromosome.

Environmental influences

External factors that can affect an individual's genetics and development.

Nature-nurture debate

Discussion regarding the relative importance of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) in determining behavior.

Canalization

The idea that certain traits are strongly influenced by genetic factors and reduce the effects of environmental variation.

Range of reaction

The concept that a genotype can produce a range of phenotypes in different environments.

Gene mutation

A spontaneous change in the genetic material that can occur during DNA replication.