Genetics Writing Conventions and Exercise Logic

Flashcards about genetic writing conventions, genotypes, phenotypes, and the logic of genetics exercises.

Alleles

Versions of a gene, designated by one or more letters.

Dominant Allele

Often the 'wild type' or natural allele, usually represented in uppercase or with a '+' symbol.

Recessive Allele

Often the mutated allele, usually represented in lowercase or with a '-' symbol, or sometimes without a symbol.

Genotype

The entire set of genes and alleles present in an individual.

Genotype Presentation

Representation of a genotype using a double fraction between parentheses. (ex : A//A)

Homozygote

Having two identical alleles for a gene (W//W) or (w//w).

Heterozygote

Having two different alleles for a gene (W//w).

Dominant Allele (expression)

Expressed when present in only one copy.

Recessive Allele (expression)

Must be present in two copies to be expressed.

Codominance

Both alleles are expressed simultaneously.

Gonosomal Transmission

Gene is located on sex chromosomes (X or Y).

Autosomal Transmission

Gene is located on non-sex chromosomes (autosomes).

Phenotype

The complete set of observable characteristics of an individual (macroscopic and microscopic).

Phenotype Notation

Represented using brackets with the letter of the expressed allele. Ex: [W] if the phenotype is red (wildtype) [w] if the phenotype is white (mutant)

Codominance Notation (Phenotype)

Both alleles are noted between brackets. Ex: [AB] for blood group AB