Genetics and Inheritance Patterns Lecture

A collection of flashcards covering key genetic concepts and terminology based on the lecture notes.

Recombination Frequency

The percentage of offspring that exhibit recombination between two genes; corresponds to map units.

Centimorgan (cM)

A unit of measure for genetic linkage; represents a 1% chance of recombination between two loci.

Linkage

The tendency of alleles of different genes to be inherited together due to their physical proximity on the same chromosome.

Map Units (m.u.)

A unit that is equivalent to a recombination frequency of 1%.

Complete Dominance

A genetic scenario where one allele completely masks the effect of another allele.

Incomplete Dominance

A form of genetic inheritance where the phenotype of a heterozygote is intermediate between those of the two homozygotes.

Codominance

A type of inheritance in which both alleles in a heterozygote are fully expressed, resulting in a third phenotype.

Pleiotropic Effects

Phenomena where one gene influences multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits.

Autosomal Recessive Disorder

A genetic condition that manifests when an individual inherits two recessive alleles for a specific gene.

Sex-linked Traits

Traits associated with genes located on the sex chromosomes, often resulting in different patterns of inheritance in males and females.

Haplosufficiency

The property of a gene whereby a single copy is sufficient to provide the normal phenotype.

Haploinsufficiency

A condition where a single copy of a gene is not sufficient to produce the normal phenotype.

Lethal Mutations

Genetic mutations that result in the death of an organism before or shortly after birth.

Independent Assortment

The principle stating that alleles of different genes assort independently of one another during gamete formation.

F1 Generation

The first filial generation of offspring from the cross of two parental (P) generations; used to study inheritance patterns.

Reciprocal Cross

A genetic cross in which the sexes of the parent individuals are reversed.

Autosomal Dominance

A pattern of inheritance where only one copy of a dominant allele is necessary for the phenotype to be expressed.

Phenotypes

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.

Genotypes

The genetic constitution of an individual; the alleles that are present in its DNA.

Punnett Square

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

Map Unit

A measurement of genetic distance based on recombination frequency, usually expressed in centimorgans.

Gene Interaction

The effect of one gene being influenced by the presence or absence of a particular allele at another gene.

Two Gene Traits

Phenotypic characteristics that are determined by the interaction of genes at two loci.