Mendel + Genetics

What are transposable elements?

DNA sequences that can move from one location to another in the genome, contributing to genetic diversity.

How do retrotransposons function?

They copy and paste themselves into different genomic locations using reverse transcriptase.

What are insertion sequences?

Bacterial elements that utilize a special recombination system to move within or between genomes.

What are bacterial transposons used for?

They are used in DNA technology to introduce foreign DNA into a genome.

What is a dominant allele?

An allele that is phenotypically expressed when present, usually represented by uppercase letters.

When is a recessive allele expressed?

It is only expressed in the absence of a dominant allele.

What defines a pure line in genetics?

A lineage that produces offspring with the same phenotype when bred, such as a 'pure bred' golden retriever.

What is a test cross?

A cross between an organism with a dominant phenotype and a homozygous recessive organism to determine the unknown genotype.

What is the principle of segregation?

The principle stating that pairs of alleles separate when gametes are formed.

What does the principle of independent assortment state?

It states that alleles of different traits are inherited independently from each other.

What does the chromosomal theory of inheritance propose?

It proposes that genes and alleles are carried on chromosomes.

What is a monohybrid cross?

A genetic cross that compares only one trait, resulting in a 3:1 ratio in the F2 generation.

What ratio is produced from a dihybrid cross?

A 9:3:3:1 ratio in the offspring.

What is linkage in genetics?

The tendency of alleles that are close together on a chromosome to be inherited together.

What is incomplete dominance?

A genetic situation where the heterozygote exhibits an intermediate phenotype, such as a purple plant from red and blue parents.

What is codominance?

A genetic scenario where both phenotypes are expressed equally, such as blue petals with red dots.

What is multiple allelism?

The existence of more than two alleles for a genetic trait, such as the Ia, Ib, and i alleles for blood type.

What is epistasis?

A genetic interaction where one gene masks the effects of another gene.

What is polygenic inheritance?

A type of inheritance where many genes influence one trait.

What is pleiotropy?

A condition where one gene affects multiple traits.