Gene Linkage and Sex Chromosomes

These flashcards cover important vocabulary related to gene linkage and sex chromosomes, essential for understanding genetic inheritance.

Gene Linkage

The tendency of genes located close together on a chromosome to be inherited together during the meiosis process.

Independent Assortment

Mendel's principle that alleles for different traits are distributed to gametes independently of one another.

X-linked traits

Traits that are associated with genes found on the X chromosome.

Hemizygous

Having only one allele for a particular trait; applies to males regarding X-linked traits as they have one X and one Y chromosome.

X Inactivation

The process by which one of the two X chromosomes in female mammals is randomly shut down.

Aneuploidy

The presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell, either more than or less than the normal diploid number.

Non-Disjunction

The failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate properly during cell division.

SRY Gene

The gene on the Y chromosome that determines male sex by coding for the production of testes.

Color Blindness

A genetic condition often inherited via the X chromosome resulting in difficulty distinguishing colors.

Trisomy

A condition where an individual has three copies of a chromosome instead of two.