Mendelian Genetics and Inheritance

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Mendelian genetics and inheritance based on the provided lecture notes.

Particulate Inheritance

The concept that traits are determined by discrete 'particles' (now known as genes) passed intact from parents to offspring.

Dominant Trait

A variant of a gene (particle) that suppresses other forms; for example, the yellow color in peas.

Recessive Trait

A variant of a gene whose expression is suppressed by dominant forms; for example, the green color in peas.

Law of Segregation

Mendel's principle stating that alternative versions of genes account for variations in inherited characters, and that only one allele is passed on from each parent.

Law of Independent Assortment

Mendel's principle that states that the emergence of one trait does not affect the emergence of another trait during gamete formation.

Genotype

The specific combination of alleles an organism carries for a given gene.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics of an individual, such as physical traits.

Alleles

Variants of a gene that determine specific traits.

Homozygous

An individual with two identical alleles for a specific trait.

Heterozygous

An individual with two different alleles for a specific trait.

Cross-breeding

The process of breeding different variants of organisms to study inheritance and traits.

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict the genotypes of offspring from parental crosses.

Gametes

Reproductive cells that carry alleles from each parent during fertilization.

ABO Blood Type

A human blood classification system based on the presence of A and B alleles, where A and B are co-dominant and O is recessive.

Linkage

The tendency of genes located close together on a chromosome to be inherited together.

Crossing Over

The process during meiosis where chromosomes exchange genetic material, leading to new allele combinations.

Mendelian Inheritance

The transmission of traits according to the laws established by Gregor Mendel, based on dominant and recessive alleles.

Pea Plant Experiment

Mendel's series of experiments with garden peas that established key principles of inheritance.

Traits

Specific characteristics or features of an organism, which can be influenced by genes.