Genetics

Mitosis

A process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, used for growth and repair.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four genetically diverse gametes.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) that carry half the genetic information of an organism.

Dominant Alleles

Alleles that express their trait in the presence of another allele.

Recessive Alleles

Alleles that express their trait only when two copies are present.

Phenotype

The physical expression or characteristics of an organism as influenced by its genotype.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual, represented by allele combinations.

Haploid

A cell or organism with one complete set of chromosomes.

Diploid

A cell or organism with two complete sets of chromosomes.

Principle of Segregation

Mendel's principle stating that alleles segregate into gametes during meiosis.

Dihybrid Cross

A genetic cross examining two traits, where two different alleles are considered.

Epistasis

Situation where one gene affects the expression of another gene.

Codominance

A form of inheritance where both alleles in a heterozygote are fully expressed.

Incomplete Dominance

A form of inheritance where the phenotype of a heterozygote is intermediate between the two homozygotes.

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

A principle stating that allele and genotype frequencies in a population remain constant in the absence of evolutionary influences.

Polygenic Traits

Traits controlled by multiple genes, leading to a continuous range of phenotypes.

Selection

The process by which certain traits become more common in a population due to better reproductive success.

Quantitative Genetics

The study of the inheritance of traits that are determined by multiple genes.

Monohybrid Cross

A genetic cross that examines the inheritance of a single trait.

Mendel's Laws

Principles developed by Gregor Mendel that describe how traits are inherited; including the Law of Segregation and the Law of Independent Assortment.

True Breeding

Organisms that produce offspring identical to themselves when self-fertilized.