You and Your Genes

Genetic Material

Genetic Material

Structured into chromosomes, which consist of long DNA molecules containing genes.

Genome

Is the entire set of genetic material in an organism.

Chromosomes

Are thread-like structures in the cell's nucleus that carry this genetic information made of DNA, which holds the instructions themselves.

Gene

Are specific sections of DNA within a chromosome where each gene acts like a recipe for a protein, which does a particular job in the cell.

Alleles

A different version of genes like variations of the same recipe.

Variant

A broader term which refers to any difference in the DNA sequence.

Genotype

The specific alleles present in an organism for a particular gene.

Phenotype

The observable trait or characteristic resulting from the genotype's interaction with the environment.

Amino Acids

Serves as the building blocks of proteins.

Gamete

Are reproductive cells, like sperm or egg cells, that carry half the genetic information (one set of chromosomes) an organism has.

Homozygous

Refers to an organism having two identical alleles (versions of a gene) for a particular trait.

Heterozygous

Describes an organism having two different alleles for a particular trait.

Dominant

One that masks the effect of a recessive allele for the same trait.

Recessive

Only expressed when an organism has two copies of it (one from each parent). If paired with a dominant allele, the recessive trait will be masked.

Single Gene Inheritance

Describes how a single gene with two possible alleles determines a particular trait in an offspring.

Genetic Diagrams

These are tools help in understanding how certain traits are passed from parents to offspring

Mendelian Crosses

Predicting the results of single gene crosses that involves understanding dominant and recessive alleles and using Punnett squares.

Polygenic Inheritance

Are the phenotypic features that are the result of multiple genes rather than a single gene inheritance pattern

Sex Determination

A human individual’s sex is determined by the inheritance of genes located on sex chromosomes; specifically, genes on the Y chromosome trigger the development of teste

Genetic Engineering

A process which involves modifying the genome of an organism to introduce desirable characteristics.

Gene Technology

Addresses societal needs by improving agricultural productivity and advancing medical treatments.

Pharmacogenomics

Studies how genes influence an individual's response to medications.

Genetic Counseling

Genetic counselors can interpret genetic test results and provide guidance and support to individuals and families facing genetic conditions.