Genetics: Multiple Alleles and Blood Groups

Flashcards based on key concepts from genetics focusing on the topic of multiple alleles and blood types.

Multiple Alleles

More than two alleles exist for a given gene in a population.

Alleles

Alternative forms of the same gene.

Wild-type Allele

The allele that occurs most frequently in a population.

Mutant Allele

An allele that contains modified genetic information and often specifies an altered gene product.

Loss-of-function

A mutation that causes a loss of the specific wild-type function.

Gain-of-function

A mutation that enhances the function of the wild-type product.

ABO blood group

A classification system for blood types based on the presence of antigens; includes phenotypes A, B, AB, and O.

Universal donors

Type O blood donors who can donate to any recipient.

Universal recipients

Type AB blood recipients who can accept blood from any donor.

Co-dominance

A genetic scenario where both alleles in a heterozygous individual contribute to the phenotype.