Variation in Traits Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering core genetic terms and concepts from the lecture notes.

Allele

A single, distinct version of a gene

Centromere

The part of a chromosome that ties together two chromatids

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis; contributes to genetic variation

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

The carrier of genetic information present in nearly all organisms; forms a double helix

DNA Replication

The synthesis of a new DNA molecule that has the same nucleotide sequences as a preexisting DNA molecule

Dominant Allele

The property of an allele that causes the allele to be expressed always, even if there is only one copy present

Environmental Factors

External factors that influence living organisms

Gametes

Cells that contain half the total number of chromosomes for an organism; sex cells

Genes

Segments of DNA that code for protein or functional RNA

Genetic Variation

The variety of gene combinations that exist within a population

Genetics

The study of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms

Genome

The complete set of genes or genetic material in a cell or organism

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism

Heterozygous

A condition where an individual possesses two different alleles of a gene

Homologous Chromosomes

Chromosomes that have the same gene at the same location

Homozygous

When an individual has two of the same allele for a trait, whether it be dominant or recessive

Independent Assortment

When inherited traits separate independently when forming gametes, allowing each the same probability of being passed on to offspring

Inheritance

The genetic transfer of characteristics from generation to generation

Meiosis

Cell division that results in the production of haploid gametes: sperm and eggs

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence of a chromosome

Offspring

The product of the reproduction of a new organism produced by one or more parents

Phenotype

The physical expression of a gene or set of genes; the appearance of an organism

Probability

The likelihood of something happening

Punnett Square

A tool used to analyze the possible allele combinations of the offspring between two individuals

Recessive Allele

An allele that is expressed only if no different allele is present

Sister Chromatids

Two identical copies of chromatids produced by one chromosome

Variation

The occurrence of an organism, behavior, trait, or gene in more than one form