Chromosomes and Genes Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards defining key genetics concepts, terms, and specific family traits mentioned in the lecture notes.

Chromosomes

Threads of chemical messages in a cell that carry pairs of genes strung along them like the carriages of a very long train.

Gene

Each chemical message along a chromosome that provides all the information for how the cell grows, develops, and behaves, and how the body grows and develops too.

Gamete

A cell containing only half the number of chromosomes as other body cells, formed when parts of chromosomes swap portions to mix up genes.

Fertilisation

The event after which a new nucleus contains all the chromosomes and genes needed to make a new individual.

Variation

The development of a slightly different combination of features from parents, leading to differences between generations and among individuals of the same generation.

Attached ear lobes

A condition where the lower part of the ear is joined straight down on to the side of the head.

Father's genetic traits (Figure 4.6)

Genes for black hair, curly hair, blue eyes, attached ear lobes, and the absence of freckles.

Mother's genetic traits (Figure 4.6)

Genes for red hair, straight hair, brown eyes, free ear lobes, and freckles.