Unit 6 - Genetics and Biotechnology

All of Unit 6

Biotechnology

The manipulation of biological systems or organisms to develop or create products.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A laboratory technique used to replicate and amplify a specific DNA segment.

DNA Fingerprinting

A technique used to distinguish between individuals based on their unique DNA profiles.

Epigenetics

The study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence.

CRISPR

A genome editing technology that allows researchers to alter DNA and modify gene function.

Adult Stem Cells

Stem cells found in adult tissues that can differentiate into a limited range of cell types.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Stem cells derived from embryos that have the potential to differentiate into any cell type.

Multipotent

Stem cells that are partially differentiated and can develop into multiple cell types.

3D Bioprinting

A technology that uses 3D printing to create biological structures, including tissues and organs.

Regenerative Medicine

A field of medicine focused on repairing or replacing damaged organs and tissues using stem cells.

Homologous Chromosomes

A pair of chromosomes, one from each parent, that contain genes for the same traits at corresponding loci.

Gene Editing

The process of altering the DNA of an organism to change its genetic makeup.

Stem Cell Therapy

A medical treatment that involves the use of stem cells to repair or replace damaged tissue.

Biodegradable Scaffolding

Materials used to support cell growth that can be absorbed by the body over time.

Reproductive Cloning

A process used to create a genetically identical copy of an organism.

Short Tandem Repeats (STRs)

Segments of DNA that are repeated numerous times and used in forensic analysis and DNA profiling.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products like proteins.

Allele

A version of a gene that has different nucleotide sequences leading to different traits.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism, represented by the alleles present.

Phenotype

The observable traits of an organism that are expressed based on its genotype.

Co-dominance

A form of inheritance where both alleles contribute equally to the phenotype.

Incomplete dominance

A form of inheritance where the phenotype is a blend of the two parents' traits.

Polygenes

Multiple genes that collectively influence a particular trait.

Mendel's Law of Segregation

Each individual has pairs of chromosomes that separate during meiosis, leading to gametes that contain only one allele of each gene.

Punnett Square

A tool used to predict the genotype and phenotype ratios of offspring from parental crosses.

Autosomes

Chromosomes that are not sex chromosomes; they determine most traits.

X-linked inheritance

Inheritance patterns involving genes located on the X chromosome.

Homozygous

An organism with two identical alleles for a trait.

Heterozygous

An organism with two different alleles for a trait.

Dominant gene

A gene that masks the expression of a recessive gene.

Recessive gene

A gene whose effects are masked by a dominant gene; only expressed when homozygous.

Cystic fibrosis (CF)

A genetic disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, leading to severe respiratory and digestive problems.

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

The process of transcription and translation by which DNA is converted into mRNA and then into protein.

Chromosome

A structure within cells that contains DNA and carries genetic information.

Sex Chromosomes

The pair of chromosomes associated with the determination of sex characteristics (XX for female, XY for male).

Biological Sex

The physical and physiological differences between male and female individuals, including genes, gonads, and sex hormones.

Androgens

Group of hormones including testosterone, predominantly produced at higher levels in males.

Recessive Gene

A gene that does not manifest in the phenotype when a dominant allele is present.

Hemizygous

Having only one allele of a gene; characteristic of male sex chromosomes (XY).

Karyotype

A visual representation of chromosomes in a cell used to assess chromosomal abnormalities.

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict the genotype and phenotype combinations of a genetic cross.

Codominance

A condition in which both alleles in a heterozygote are fully expressed, resulting in a phenotype that is neither dominant nor recessive.

Incomplete Dominance

A genetic situation in which one allele does not completely dominate another allele, resulting in a new phenotype.

Polygenic Inheritance

A pattern of inheritance in which multiple genes influence a trait.

Multifactorial Trait

A trait that is influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors.

X-Linked Recessive Traits

Traits that are associated with genes located on the X chromosome, typically expressed in males.

Pedigree Analysis

A diagram that shows the occurrence of a genetic trait across generations in a family.

Environmental Dependent Mechanisms

Biological processes where the environment influences the expression of a trait.

Autosomal Dominant Trait

A trait that appears in every generation and can be inherited from only one affected parent.

Autosomal Recessive Trait

A trait that only appears in individuals homozygous for the recessive allele.

rH Protein

A protein in red blood cell membranes important for determining blood type and immune response.

Immunoglobulin Protein

Proteins found on the surface of red blood cells that determine blood type (A, B, or O).

True Gonadal Intersex

An individual having both ovarian and testicular tissue.

Triple X Syndrome

A genetic condition in females resulting from the presence of an extra X chromosome.

Klinefelter Syndrome

A genetic condition in males characterized by an extra X chromosome, often resulting in reduced testosterone.