Genetics and Heredity

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to genetics and inheritance, as discussed in the lecture notes.

DISEASE

A disorder of structure or function in an organism, especially one that produces specific signs or symptoms, indicating a clearly defined reason behind it.

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi, which can spread directly or indirectly from one person to another.

FAMILIAL

Referring to genetic traits transmitted through the gametes from generation to generation.

CHROMOSOME ANOMALY

An abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell.

GENETIC DISEASE OR DEFECT

A condition in which the right number of chromosomes exist, but the genes are defective and do not produce the correct proteins.

SYNDROME

A set of symptoms that collectively indicate a particular disease or condition.

DISORDER

A general term indicating that something is not functioning correctly.

HEREDITARY

Pertaining to traits or conditions that are derived from one’s parents.

CONGENITAL

A birth defect that is present at birth but not genetically inherited; it occurs during fetal development.

NON-MENDELIAN GENETICS

Genetic inheritance patterns in which traits are controlled by multiple genes rather than a single gene with two alleles.

MULTIPLE ALLELES

Three or more forms of a gene that can exist for a single trait, with each individual carrying only two alleles from these variants.

BLOOD TYPE

Classification of blood based on the presence of specific surface proteins and antibodies; determined by multiple alleles.

PLEIOTROPY

The phenomenon whereby one gene influences two or more seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits.

POLYGENIC TRAITS

Traits that are controlled by two or more genes, often leading to continuous variation rather than discrete categories.

KARYOTYPE

An organized profile of a person's chromosomes that helps in identifying chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders.

CARRIER (HETEROZYGOTE)

A person who has one recessive allele and one dominant allele for a trait, doing not display the trait but can pass it on to offspring.

AUTOSOMAL INHERITANCE

Patterns of inheritance involving chromosomes that are not sex chromosomes.

X-LINKED TRAIT

A trait whose gene is located on the X chromosome, often affecting males more than females due to their hemizygous condition.

HEMIZYGOUS

Refers to males having only one X chromosome, meaning any trait associated with that chromosome will be expressed.

HETERZYGOUS ADVANTAGE

A situation in which having one copy of a gene provides a survival advantage in certain environments.

AUTOSOMAL RECESSIVE DISORDER

A genetic disorder that occurs when an individual inherits two recessive alleles, one from each parent.

DOWN SYNDROME

A genetic disorder caused by having an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in developmental delays and characteristic physical features.

SICKLE-CELL DISEASE

A genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin in red blood cells, which causes distorted, sickle-shaped cells that can block blood flow.

CYSTIC FIBROSIS

A hereditary disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system, characterized by abnormal mucus production.

TAY-SACHS DISEASE

A genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of a specific enzyme, leading to the accumulation of toxic substances in the brain and nervous system.

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

A group of genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of skeletal muscles.

TURNER'S SYNDROME

A condition where a female has only one X chromosome, resulting in various developmental issues and is not inherited genetically.

TRIPLE X SYNDROME

A genetic condition that occurs due to an extra copy of the X chromosome in females, resulting in a 'super female' phenotype.

JACOB'S SYNDROME

A chromosomal condition in which a male has an extra Y chromosome, leading to an XYY genotype.

ACHONDROPLASIA

A genetic condition causing dwarfism due to a mutation on chromosome 4.

HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE

A progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by a dominant allele, leading to motor and cognitive decline.

COLOR BLINDNESS

A genetic condition where individuals have difficulty distinguishing certain colors, often linked to X-linked recessive inheritance.