Chapter 29: Heredity Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 29 on heredity.

Gene

The DNA 'recipe' for a protein.

Heredity

Transmission of genetic characteristics from parent to child.

Genetics

Field of biology studying heredity and transmission patterns.

Autosomes

Twenty-two pairs of chromosomes without genes determining sex.

Sex chromosomes

The last two chromosomes containing genes that specify sex.

Karyotype

Display of chromosomes pairs, ordered and arranged by size and similar features.

Homologous chromosomes

Paired chromosomes with genes for equivalent biological characteristics.

Locus

Specific space where each gene is located on a chromosome.

Alleles

Variants of one gene found at the same locus on homologous chromosomes.

Homozygous

Having two of the same allele.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles.

Dominant allele

A trait that will always appear if it is present.

Recessive allele

A trait that is masked by the dominant allele.

Genotype

The alleles an individual carries.

Phenotype

The visible product of the genotype.

Independent assortment

Alleles of two different traits on different chromosomes are distributed independently of each other.

Segregation

The separation of two alleles of one particular trait into different daughter cells.

Crossing over

A process during meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange gene segments.

Random fertilization

The process where a single egg is fertilized by a single sperm randomly.

Punnett square

A diagram used to predict possible gene combinations resulting from the mating of parents of known genotypes.

Incomplete dominance

A genetic situation where one allele does not completely dominate another.

Codominant inheritance

A condition where both alleles in a heterozygote are fully expressed.

Genetic screening

A method to provide information and options regarding genetic disorders.

Pedigree

A diagram that traces a genetic trait through several generations.

Amniocentesis

A procedure where amniotic fluid is withdrawn for testing.

Chorionic villus sampling

A test where a sample of chorionic villus tissue is taken for genetic analysis.