Unit 4 Genetics (copy)

Genetics

The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

Traits

Observable characteristics or features of an organism.

Pedigree

A diagram that shows the occurrence and appearance of phenotypes in a particular family or group across generations.

Dominant

A trait that is always expressed when the allele is present, denoted by at least one capital letter.

Recessive

A trait that is only expressed in the absence of the dominant trait, denoted by lower case letters.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a particular gene (e.g., TT or tt).

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a particular gene (e.g., Tt).

Genotype

The combination of alleles an organism has for a particular gene (e.g., TT, Tt, or tt).

Allele

Different variations of a gene, represented by different letters.

Monohybrid

A genetic cross involving a single trait.

Probability

The likelihood or chance of a particular outcome or event occurring.

Gregor Mendel

An Austrian monk and botanist known as the "Father of Hereditary Genetics" for his experiments with pea plants.

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict the possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring from a genetic cross.

Phenotype

The physical or observable characteristics of an individual, determined by the expression of genes.

Dihybrid Cross

A genetic cross involving two traits or genes.

Inheritance

The passing of genetic traits from parents to offspring.

Parent Generation

The initial generation of individuals used in a genetic cross.

F1 Generation

The first generation of offspring resulting from a genetic cross.

F2 Generation

The second generation of offspring resulting from a genetic cross.

Multiple Allele Traits

Traits that are determined by more than two versions of genes (alleles) in the population.

Incomplete Dominance

A type of inheritance where the phenotype of the heterozygous individual is intermediate between the phenotypes of the homozygous individuals.

Blood Types

Different classifications of blood based on the presence or absence of certain antigens on red blood cells.

Rh Factor

A protein found on the surface of red blood cells that determines the positive or negative blood type.

Recessive allele

An allele that is only expressed when paired with another recessive allele.

Sex-linked traits

Traits that are determined by genes located on the sex chromosomes.

Males

Individuals who have one X-chromosome and one Y-chromosome.

Females

Individuals who have two X-chromosomes.

Carriers

Individuals who carry a recessive allele but do not express the associated trait.

Polygenic traits

Traits that are influenced by multiple genes.

Alleles

Different forms of a gene.

Hemophilia

A genetic disorder that impairs the body's ability to control blood clotting.

Muscular Dystrophy

A group of genetic disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration.

High Blood Pressure

A medical condition characterized by elevated blood pressure levels.

Heritability

The proportion of phenotypic variation in a population that is due to genetic factors.

Epigenetics

The study of changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence.

Genes

Units of heredity that are passed from parents to offspring and determine certain traits.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a molecule that plays a role in protein synthesis and gene expression.

DNA isolation

The process of extracting DNA from cells for further analysis.

Lysis

The breaking down of cells, resulting in the release of cellular components, including DNA.

Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTRs)

Repeating patterns of bases within non-coding regions of DNA that can vary between individuals.

Gel electrophoresis

A technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size and charge.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A genetic disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin and the sickling of red blood cells.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

Acute chest syndrome

A condition caused by inflammation, infection, or blockage of blood vessels in the lungs due to sickled cells.

Pedigree

A diagram that shows the genetic relationships within a family and the presence or absence of a particular trait.

Heterozygous Advantage

A situation where individuals with a heterozygous genotype have a higher relative fitness than those with homozygous genotypes.

Codominant Traits

A situation where both alleles of a gene are expressed in the phenotype. ie red blood cells, brown and white cows

Restriction enzymes

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific recognition sites, often used in DNA analysis and manipulation.

Gel electrophoresis

A technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size and charge.