Sex Determination and Sex-Linked Genes

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts related to sex determination and sex-linked genes from the provided lecture notes.

Autosomes

22 pairs of chromosomes that do not determine sex.

Sex chromosomes

Chromosomes that determine sex, designated as XX for female and XY for male.

Mendelian inheritance

The inheritance of traits based on Gregor Mendel's principles, often analyzed through pedigree.

Pedigree analysis

A family tree that describes the inheritance of a trait across generations.

Recessive traits

Traits that are only expressed when both alleles are recessive.

Albinism

A single-gene recessive trait causing lack of pigmentation.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

A recessive lethal disorder characterized by respiratory difficulties and chronic infections.

Dominant traits

Traits that are expressed when at least one dominant allele is present.

Achondroplasia

A form of dwarfism that is a single-gene dominant trait.

Overdominance

When a heterozygote has a favorable phenotype compared to homozygotes.

Sickle-cell anemia

A recessive disorder where individuals produce an abnormal form of hemoglobin.

Pleiotropic gene

A gene affecting multiple phenotypic expressions.

Sex-linked genes

Genes located on the sex chromosomes that exhibit unique patterns of inheritance.

X-linked recessive inheritance

A type of inheritance where the trait is carried on the X chromosome and expressed in males and females differently.

Sex-linked dominant inheritance

A type of inheritance where a dominant allele on the X chromosome can result in the trait being expressed.

Genetic screening

Medical testing to determine if individuals are carriers of specific genetic disorders.

Amniocentesis

A procedure to sample amniotic fluid for genetic testing during pregnancy.

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

A procedure to extract chorionic villi for genetic testing in early pregnancy.