Genetics and Inheritance in animal care

allele

different versions of the same gene that create variations in traits

autosome

chromosome that isn’t a sex chromosome, genes for physical and genetic conditions

carrier

w/ one copy of a recessive disease gene who looks normal but can pass the disease onto offspring`

codominance

when both versions of a gene express themselves equally, creating combined effect

F1 generation

first generation of offspring from crossing 2 different parent types, uniform characteristics

F2 generation

second generation by breeding F1 animals together, often reveals hidden recessive traits

genome

all of an organisms genetic material taken together, complete set of instructions

genotype

actual genetic makeup of an animal; specific combinations they carry

heterozygous

having 2 different versions of a gene for a particular trait

homozygous

having 2 identical versions of a gene for a particular trait, both dom/recessive

hybridization

crossing genetically different animals to create offspring w/ mixed characteristics

incomplete dominance

when neither gene version is completely dominant creating blended or intermediate traits

independent assortment

principle that different traits are inherited separately from each other

karyotype

an organized picture of all chromosomes in a cell arranged by size and shape

mutation

change in DNA sequence that can create new traits or genetic disorders

P generation

the original parents w/ known genetic characteristics

pedigree

family tree diagram showing which members carry genes for certain traits/diseases

phenotype

observable physical characteristics you can see/measure (coat color, size, behavior)

polydoctyly

genetic condition causing extra toes or digits

polygenic inheritance

multiple genes work together to influence a single trait, don’t follow dom/rec

segregation

paired genes separate during reproduction, each parent contributes one gene copy

true breeding

animals that consistently produce offspring w/ identical characteristics bred together

X linked

genes located on the X chromosome that show specific inheritance patterns