Genetics and Inheritance Exam Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to genetics and inheritance, essential for exam preparation.

Genetics

The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

Inheritance

The transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information.

Chromosome

A thread-like structure made of DNA and proteins, found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for building a specific protein.

Allele

A variant form of a gene; different alleles can result in different traits.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an individual, represented by the alleles they possess.

Phenotype

The observable traits or characteristics of an organism, resulting from the genotype and the environment.

Homozygote

An individual with two identical alleles for a specific trait.

Heterozygote

An individual with two different alleles for a specific trait.

Autosomal genes

Genes located on chromosomes 1-22 that are not sex-linked.

Sex-linked genes

Genes located on the sex chromosomes (X and Y) that are inherited differently in males and females.

Mendelian Genetics

Genetics that follows the principles established by Gregor Mendel, including dominant and recessive inheritance.

Dominant allele

An allele that expresses its phenotypic effect even when heterozygous with a recessive allele.

Recessive allele

An allele that expresses its phenotypic effect only when homozygous.

Pedigree

A diagram that shows the lineage or inheritance of a genetic trait across generations.

Punnett Square

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

Cystic Fibrosis

An autosomal recessive genetic disorder that affects the respiratory and digestive systems.

Huntington's Disease

An autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by progressive motor dysfunction and cognitive decline.

Phenotypic Plasticity

The ability of an organism to change its phenotype in response to changes in the environment.

Polygenic Inheritance

A mode of inheritance in which multiple genes determine a single trait.

Multiple Alleles

More than two alleles exist for a particular gene, such as blood types in humans.

Codominance

A genetic scenario in which two alleles are expressed equally in the phenotype.

Incomplete Dominance

A genetic scenario in which the phenotype of heterozygotes is intermediate between the phenotypes of the two homozygotes.

Mitochondrial Inheritance

The transmission of genetic material located in mitochondria, typically inherited maternally.

X-linked Traits

Traits controlled by genes located on the X chromosome, often affecting males differently than females.

Y-linked Traits

Traits controlled by genes located on the Y chromosome, inherited only by males.