Chapter 8: Chromosomes and Human Genetics

genetic disorder

physical condition caused by a harmful mutation in an individual gene or chromosome

chromosomal abnormality

any change in the chromosome number or structure compared to what is typical for a species

gene therapy

genetic engineering technique for correcting defective genes responsible for disease development 

genetic engineering

permanent introduction of one or ore genes into a cell, tissue, or organism

stem cells

unique, unspecialized cells that can make identical copies of themselves for long periods of time and can be used in gene therapy

autosomes

non-sex chromosomes

sex chromosomes

one of the two chromosomes (X and Y) that determine gender

locus

physical location of a gene on a chromosome

sex-linked

found solely on the X or Y chromosome

recessive genetic disorder

genetic disorder that is inherited as a recessive trait on an autosome

genetic carrier

individual who has only one copy of a recessive allele for a particular disease and therefore can pass on the disorder allele but does not have the disease

dominant genetic disorder

genetic disorder that is inherited as a dominant trait on an autosome

pedigree

chart similar to a family tree that shows genetic relationships among family members over two or more generations of a family’s medical history