Genetics Review Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to genetics, Mendelian inheritance, cellular structure, and mechanisms of heredity.

Mendelian Inheritance

The principles of inheritance first described by Gregor Mendel that involve the segregation of alleles during the formation of gametes.

Allele

Different versions or variants of a particular gene that can occur at the same gene locus.

Phenotype

The physical appearance or observable characteristics of an organism based on its genotype.

Genotype

The actual genetic composition of an organism, represented by the alleles it possesses.

Dominant Trait

A trait that is expressed phenotypically even when only one copy of the corresponding allele is present.

Recessive Trait

A trait that is expressed phenotypically only when two copies of the corresponding allele are present.

Homozygous

An individual possessing two identical alleles for a trait.

Heterozygous

An individual possessing two different alleles for a trait.

Law of Segregation

Mendel's principle stating that alleles for a trait segregate during gamete formation so that each gamete carries only one allele.

Meiosis

The specialized cell division that generates gametes with half the number of chromosomes, contributing to genetic variability.

Mutation

Any random alteration in a gene that can arise due to errors in DNA replication or environmental factors.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Zygote

A fertilized egg formed by the fusion of sperm and egg, containing a diploid set of chromosomes.

Chromosomes

Thread-like structures in the nucleus that carry genetic information in the form of DNA.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic instructions for life.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains the information required to produce a specific trait.