Sex Chromosomes: Sex Linkage

Flashcards on key concepts related to sex chromosomes, inheritance patterns, and specific genetic examples.

Sex chromosomes

Chromosomes that determine the sex of an individual, differing between males and females (e.g., X and Y in mammals, Z and W in birds).

Homogametic sexes

Organisms with two of the same sex chromosome (e.g., XX females and ZZ males).

Heterogametic sexes

Organisms with two different sex chromosomes (e.g., XY males and ZW females).

Pseudo-autosomal regions (PAR)

Regions on the X and Y chromosomes that share similar genes, allowing them to pair up during meiosis despite being heteromorphic.

X-linked inheritance

Inheritance pattern where alleles on the X chromosome are passed down, affecting males and females differently due to the absence of corresponding alleles on the Y chromosome.

Y-linked inheritance

Inheritance pattern where genes on the Y chromosome are passed from father to son, with no effect on daughters.

Reciprocal crosses

Genetic crosses between male and female individuals with different phenotypes to determine if a trait is sex-linked.

SHOX gene

Gene located in the pseudo-autosomal region that promotes bone growth, impacting height and associated with Turner syndrome.

Drosophila melanogaster

A species of fruit fly commonly used in genetic research, known for its mutated eye color genes, such as the white gene.

E/e gene in turkeys

A gene located on the Z chromosome in turkeys that influences feather color; E allele leads to bronze feathers, while e allele results in brown feathers.