Genetics Revision

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to genetics, including DNA replication, cell division, alleles, and methods of genetic prediction.

DNA replication

The process by which DNA makes a copy of itself before cell division.

Chromatin

Loose, unravelled DNA in the nucleus.

Chromosome

A tightly wound and visible structure formed from DNA.

Chromatids

Individual strands of DNA that make up a chromosome.

Centromere

The point where chromatids join in a chromosome.

Homologous pairs

Pairs of chromosomes in a human, all organized neatly.

Somatic cells

All cells except reproductive cells (e.g., muscle, skin, nerve cells).

Gametes

Reproductive cells produced by meiosis (sperm in males and ova in females).

Mitosis

The process where a cell splits into two daughter cells, both identical to the original.

Haploid

Cells that contain only one copy of each chromosome.

Diploid

Cells that contain two copies of each chromosome.

Alleles

Alternate forms of a gene that occupy the same location on homologous chromosomes.

Dominant alleles

Alleles that will always express themselves, symbolized by capital letters.

Recessive alleles

Alleles that express themselves only in the absence of dominant alleles, symbolized by lowercase letters.

Homozygous

An organism with two identical alleles for a trait.

Heterozygous

An organism with two different alleles for a trait.

Punnett square

A tool used to predict the genotypes and phenotypes of genetic crosses.

Carrier

An individual who has one dominant and one recessive allele but does not express the trait.

Pedigree

A pictorial representation of the pattern of a genetic trait or condition in a family.

Karyotype

A visual representation of an individual's chromosomes, used to assess chromosomal abnormalities.