Mendelian Genetics

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Mendelian Genetics.

Gene

A section of DNA that provides the instructions for making a protein.

Alleles

Different versions of the same gene inherited from parents.

Homologous Chromosomes

Matching chromosomes from mom and dad that contain the same genes in the same locations.

Gregor Mendel

Austrian monk known as the 'Father of Genetics' for his work with pea plants.

Law of Dominance

Dominant alleles express traits when present, while recessive alleles express traits only when dominant alleles are absent.

Law of Segregation

During meiosis, each gamete receives only one chromosome from each homologous pair.

Law of Independent Assortment

The assortment of one trait does not affect the assortment of another trait.

Punnett Square

A diagram that shows the probability of inheriting traits from parents with certain genes.

Homozygous

Having two of the same alleles for a gene (e.g., AA or aa).

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a gene (e.g., Aa).

Genotype

The actual alleles inherited (e.g., FF, Ff, or ff).

Phenotype

The physical traits or characteristics seen in an organism (e.g., purple flowers).