GENETICS-PRELIM

Genetics

The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms.

Chromosome

A structure within cells that contains DNA and genetic information.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making a specific protein or set of proteins.

Allele

Different forms of a gene that can exist at a specific locus.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a particular gene.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a particular gene.

Phenotype

The physical appearance or observable traits of an organism.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism, represented by the alleles it possesses.

Mitosis

A process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that produces four haploid cells, such as gametes, with half the number of chromosomes.

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict the genotypic and phenotypic ratios of offspring from a genetic cross.

Dihybrid Cross

A genetic cross examining two traits, each represented by two alleles.

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Independent Assortment

The principle stating that alleles for different traits segregate independently during gamete formation.

CRISPR-Cas

A powerful genetic editing tool used to precisely modify DNA sequences within organisms.

Transgenic Organisms

Organisms that contain genes from other species, often used in research and biotechnology.

Karyotype

A visual representation of the complete set of chromosomes in an organism.

Gamete

A haploid reproductive cell, such as a sperm or egg, that fuses with another gamete during fertilization.

Bioinformatics

The application of computer technology to the management and analysis of biological data.