Genetic Linkage and Nondisjunction

These flashcards cover key concepts related to genetic linkage, nondisjunction, and DNA study, highlighting important definitions and principles.

Genetic Linkage

The tendency of alleles that are located close together on a chromosome to be inherited together.

Independent Assortment

The principle that alleles for separate traits are passed independently of one another from parents to offspring.

Recombination Frequency

The frequency at which two traits recombine together during gamete formation; expected to be about 50% for unlinked traits.

Aneuploidy

A condition in which an organism has an abnormal number of chromosomes, such as one extra or one less.

Nondisjunction

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

Trisomy 21

A genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, commonly known as Down syndrome.

Chromosome Mapping

The process of determining the location of genes on a chromosome based on the frequency of recombination.

Epistasis

A genetic interaction where one gene's effect is modified by one or several other genes.

Phenotype

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by genetics and environment.

Bacterial Transformation

The process by which a bacterial cell takes up foreign DNA from its environment.