Mendel’s Experiments & Basic Genetic Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards covering Mendel’s experiments, laws of inheritance, genetic terminology, modes of inheritance, and pedigree analysis.

Genetics

The study of inheritance and variation of traits.

Variation

Differences in traits among individuals; created through meiosis and mutation.

Monohybrid Cross

A cross involving one trait where the parents differ in phenotype.

Allele

Different forms or variations of the same gene.

Dominant Allele

An allele that is always expressed in the phenotype when present even if just I copy is present.

Recessive Allele

allele only shows when two copies are present

Homozygous

Genotype in which the two alleles are identical (either both dominant or both recessive).

Heterozygous

Genotype in which the two alleles for a trait are different.

Genome

The complete set of genes present in each somatic cell of an organism.

Gamete

Sex cell (sperm or egg) containing half the genome (one allele of each gene).

Law of Dominance

Dominant allele will always show in the phenotype. even just 1 copy. recessive allele only shows if individual is rr.

Law of Segregation

genes come in pairs. 2 alleles(2 copies of each chromosome) alleles sep during meiosis so each parent give 1 allele per trait

Law of Independent Assortment

traits are inherited independent of each other. Inherited randomly. don’t have to have the same genotype

Genotype

The combination of alleles for a specific trait.

Phenotype

The physical appearance or behavior resulting from gene expression.

Autosomal Inheritance

alleles carried on autosome

Autosomal Dominant

allele causes the trait is dominant. all people dominant allele have the trait . atleast 1 rent must be affected

Autosomal Recessive

A trait caused by a recessive allele on an autosome; affected individuals are homozygous recessive and may have unaffected carrier parents. Parents must possess the recessive allele

X-linked Inheritance

alleles carried on Gonosome

X-linked Dominant

allele causes trait is dominant. carried on the x gonosome. females and males can have the trait. affected fathers will have affected daughters

X-linked Recessive

Trait caused by a recessive allele on the X chromosome; if mother is affected son will be affected.

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict possible genotypes

Pedigree Diagram

A chart used to track inheritance of specific traits in a family across generations.

Controlled Pollination

Manual transfer of pollen to ensure desired parentage and prevent unwanted fertilization.