Heredity and Behavior Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to heredity, genetics, and evolution based on lecture notes.

DNA

The hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms.

Chromosome

A threadlike structure made up of DNA and protein, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.

Gene

A small portion of DNA coding for a particular characteristic.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of DNA, consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and a base.

Codon

A sequence of three bases that codes for a specific amino acid.

Transcription

The process where DNA is copied into a single strand of RNA called messenger RNA (mRNA).

Translation

The process where mRNA is used with tRNA to bring in the proper sequence of amino acids to the ribosome, building a protein chain.

Genotype

The actual or complete genetic makeup of an organism, referring to the pair of alleles inherited for a particular gene.

Phenotype

An individual's observable traits, such as height, eye color, and blood type, determined by both genotype and environmental factors.

Polygenic Inheritance

A pattern of inheritance where multiple genes work together to control a trait.

Family Studies

Research method assessing hereditary influence by examining blood relatives to see how much they resemble one another on a specific trait.

Twin Studies

Research method assessing hereditary influence by comparing the resemblance of identical twins and fraternal twins with respect to a trait.

Adoption Studies

Research method assessing hereditary influence by examining the resemblance between adopted children and both their biological and adoptive parents.

Genetic Mapping

A process that identifies the location of genes on chromosomes, helping determine if a disease is linked to a specific gene.

Heredity

Innate and genetic transmission of traits.

Environment

Learned and experienced surroundings that influence development.

Natural Selection

The idea that organisms best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Evolution Theory

The concept that all species evolve over time due to genetic variation and natural selection.

Adaptation

An inherited characteristic that increased in a population because it helped solve a problem of survival or reproduction.