Part 1: Genetics- Voabulary

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid- a molecule that carries genetic info composed of nucleotide sequences that encode instructions for proteins 

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making specific protein, determining traits or functions in an organism

Genome

The complete set of DNA within an organism including all of its genes

Genetic Variation

Differences in DNA sequences among individuals 

leads to diversity in traits

essential for evolution and selective breeding

Genotype

Gene makeup of an organism, alleles are inherited from parents

Capital letter= dominant

lowercase letter= recessive

Phenotype

Appearance of the genes, observable traits

Chromatin

complex of DNA and protein found in the nucleus which condenses to form chromosomes for cell division → uncondensed chromosomes

Chromosomes

a structure composed of DNA and protein that carries genetic info

centromere

a site in the middle of the chromosome where sister chromatids are held together

miotic spindle attaches to here during cell division

Miotic Spindle

structure made of microtubules that separate chromosomes into daughter cells during cell division

Haploid

a cell with one complete set of chromosomes

Ex: gametes such as sperm and egg cells

Diploid

a cell with 2 sets of chromosomes, one from each parent 

gametes

reproductive cells such as spema nd egg

carry half the number of chromosomes (haploid) and combined during fertilization

Alleles

different versions of a gene that can produce variaitons in a trait

Ex: a flower can be either blue or red, alleles are the blue and red

Homologous chromosomes

chromosome pairs that have the same genes at the same location but different alleles

adaptive radiation

when a single species evolves into multiple forms to occupy different ecological niches driven by genetic diversity

Karyotype

a presentation of all chromosomes of an organism arranged by size and number and paired by homolgy

ethics in genetics

the study of moral issues in genetics, such as privacy, genetic engineering, de-extinction, and responsible use of genetic data