Unit 2 Part 2 Bio

What is the definition of phenotype?

A phenotype is a trait or characteristic of an individual.

What are alleles?

Alleles are different versions of a gene that determine traits.

What is a genotype?

The alleles an individual has for a gene linked to a trait.

What is a polygenic trait?

A trait that is linked to many genes, exhibiting a wide range of possible phenotypes.

Why is predicting the inheritance of polygenic traits difficult?

Because of the interaction of multiple genes.

What does a Punnett square do?

A Punnett square predicts the inheritance of a trait based on the parents' genotypes.

What is Cystic Fibrosis caused by?

Cystic Fibrosis is caused by a mutation in a membrane protein that regulates material passage through the cell membrane.

How are dominant and recessive alleles defined?

Dominant alleles can mask the presence of recessive alleles.

What is the genotype for an individual with Cystic Fibrosis?

The genotype for Cystic Fibrosis is homozygous recessive (ff).

How does incomplete dominance differ from traditional dominance?

In incomplete dominance, one allele does not completely mask another and results in an intermediate phenotype.

What is codominance?

Codominance is when both alleles in a heterozygote are fully expressed.

What are sex-linked traits?

Traits that are associated with genes located on the sex chromosomes.

What is a pedigree?

A pedigree is a chart that shows the inheritance of a trait in a family.

What is the purpose of meiosis?

Meiosis produces gametes with half the normal number of chromosomes for sexual reproduction.

What is nondisjunction?

Nondisjunction is the failure of chromosomes to separate correctly during meiosis.

What is genetic variation?

Genetic variation refers to the differences in DNA among individuals.

How does independent assortment contribute to genetic diversity?

Independent assortment mixes maternal and paternal chromosomes in various combinations during meiosis.

What is crossing over?

Crossing over is the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

What is the difference between meiosis I and meiosis II?

Meiosis I separates homologous chromosomes, while meiosis II separates sister chromatids.

What are gametes?

Gametes are reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) produced by meiosis.

What role does meiosis play in genetic diversity?

Meiosis increases genetic diversity through processes like independent assortment and crossing over.

What is telophase in meiosis?

Telophase is the stage where the chromosomes reach the poles and the cell begins to divide.

How many cells are produced at the end of meiosis?

Meiosis produces four genetically unique haploid cells.

What is the significance of haploid cells?

Haploid cells are important for sexual reproduction, ensuring offspring have the correct diploid number when fertilization occurs.

What induces mutations during meiosis?

Mutations can be induced by environmental factors or errors during DNA replication.

What is the significance of the metaphase plate in meiosis?

The metaphase plate is where chromosomes align before being separated during meiosis.

What are the stages of meiosis?

The stages of meiosis include Prophase I, Metaphase I, Anaphase I, Telophase I, Prophase II, Metaphase II, Anaphase II, and Telophase II.

What is the function of the ribosome in protein synthesis?

Ribosomes are the cellular structures where protein synthesis occurs, translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains.

What role do chromosomes play in genetics?

Chromosomes carry genetic information in the form of genes, which determine an organism's traits.

What is genetic drift?

Genetic drift is a mechanism of evolution that refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population.

What is a karyotype?

A karyotype is a visual representation of an individual's chromosomes, arranged in pairs and organized by size.

What is the law of segregation?

The law of segregation states that alleles for a trait separate during gamete formation, ensuring offspring receive one allele from each parent.

What is a mutation?

A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that can lead to variation in traits among individuals.

What is the significance of homozygous genotypes?

Homozygous genotypes have two identical alleles for a trait, which can influence the expression of specific phenotypes.

What do you understand by carrier in genetics?

A carrier is an individual who has one copy of a recessive allele for a trait but does not exhibit the trait themselves.

What is the impact of environmental factors on phenotype?

Environmental factors can influence phenotype expression, leading to variations in traits despite identical genotypes.

What is gene therapy?

Gene therapy is a medical technique that involves altering genes to treat or prevent diseases.

What is the difference between asexual and sexual reproduction?

Asexual reproduction involves a single organism producing offspring genetically identical to itself, while sexual reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two parents.

What are linked genes?

Linked genes are genes that are located close to each other on the same chromosome and tend to be inherited together.

What is a genomic map?

A genomic map shows the locations of genes on a chromosome and can help identify genetic disorders.

What is the purpose of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)?

PCR is a technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences, allowing for easier study and analysis.

What is epistasis?

Epistasis is when the expression of one gene is affected by one or more other genes, often modifying phenotypes.

How does natural selection contribute to evolution?

Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce, leading to evolutionary changes.

What is pathogenic mutation?

A pathogenic mutation is a genetic alteration that increases the risk of developing diseases, such as cancer.

What is genetic mapping?

Genetic mapping is a method used to determine the relative positions of genes on a chromosome.

What is a hybrid organism?

A hybrid organism is the offspring resulting from the crossbreeding between two different species or genetic varieties.

What is the significance of scientific names in taxonomy?

Scientific names provide a unique and universal identifier for species, reducing confusion in the classification of organisms.