Linkage, Sex Linkage, & the Chromosome Theory of Inheritance

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on linkage, sex linkage, and the chromosome theory of inheritance, providing questions and answers to aid in exam preparation.

What is the significance of the Nash family's story in the context of genetic techniques?

It highlights the ethical debates surrounding pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and its use to treat genetic disorders.

What does pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) refer to?

A technique used to identify embryos with specific genotypes to ensure the health of the child.

What condition did Molly Nash suffer from after her bone marrow transplant?

Molly still suffers from Fanconi anemia.

What is Mendel’s Law of Segregation?

It states that alleles separate during meiosis I, resulting in gametes that carry one allele from each parent.

What is the outcome of linkage in genetics?

Linkage occurs when two genes are located close together on the same chromosome, increasing the likelihood that they are inherited together.

What is the law that explains how genes assort independently during gamete formation?

Mendel’s Law of Independent Assortment.

What happens to traits that are carried on the Y chromosome in terms of inheritance?

Sex-linked traits on the Y chromosome typically affect males, as males have one Y chromosome.

How does crossing over affect genetic inheritance?

Crossing over allows for the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, creating recombinant chromosomes.

What is the main ethical objection to the use of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis?

Concerns about 'designer babies' and the ethical implications of selecting traits for offspring.

What is one way to determine if a red-eyed female fruit fly is heterozygous for eye color?

Mate her with a white-eyed male and observe the offspring.

What kind of regulations should exist regarding the use of genetic techniques by parents?

There could be regulations concerning the ethical use and oversight of genetic testing and selection procedures.

What potential impact could the overturning of Roe v. Wade have on pre-implantation genetic screening?

It could alter the legal landscape surrounding reproductive rights and the decision-making process regarding genetic testing.

What does a pedigree analysis help to determine?

It helps in tracing inheritance patterns of traits through generations.

Define autosomal recessive inheritance pattern.

A pattern where the trait affects both males and females equally and requires two copies of the allele to manifest.

Why might crossing over occur less frequently between genes that are located close together on the same chromosome?

Because the likelihood of homologous chromosomes exchanging genetic material decreases with proximity.

What does it mean for genes to assort independently?

It means that the segregation of one gene pair does not affect the segregation of another gene pair during meiosis.

In the context of the Nash family, what is a significant outcome from their use of PGD?

They successfully created a genetically compatible donor for their sick child.

What type of traits does autosomal dominant inheritance affect?

It affects both sexes equally and requires only one copy of the dominant allele for the trait to be expressed.

How many types of gametes can be produced from an organism with two traits under independent assortment?

For two traits, there will be 4 possible gametes.

What does a skewed offspring ratio suggest in genetic studies?

It suggests the presence of linkage between genes.