Bio Vocab

What is Locus

The specific physical location of a gene on a chromosome.

What is Epistasis

A condition where one gene masks or interferes with the expression of another gene.

What are Chiasmata

The X-shaped regions where crossing over occurs during meiosis.

What is Pleiotropy

When a single gene has multiple effects on an organism’s phenotype.

What is Polygenic

Traits controlled by the additive effect of two or more genes.

What is Nondisjunction

The failure of homologous chromosomes to separate properly during meiosis.

What is Affected

An individual who shows the trait or disorder.

What is an Allele

A different form of a gene.

What are Arabic Numerals

Numbers (1, 2, 3) used to label individuals in pedigrees.

What is Autosomal

A trait located on a non-sex chromosome.

What is a Carrier

A heterozygous individual who does not show symptoms but can pass on a recessive allele.

What is a Circle

The symbol representing a female in a pedigree.

What is Codominance

Both alleles are fully and equally expressed.

What is Dihybrid

A cross involving two traits.

What is Dominant

An allele that is expressed when at least one copy is present.

What is the F1 Generation

The first generation of offspring from the parent (P) generation.

What is the F2 Generation

The second generation of offspring from crossing F1 individuals.

What are Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and egg) that carry one allele for each gene.

What is a Generation

A group of individuals born around the same time in a pedigree.

What is a Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism.

Who is Gregor Mendel

The scientist known as the father of genetics.

What is Hemoglobin

The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

What is Heterozygote Advantage

When heterozygous individuals have a survival advantage.

What does Heterozygous mean

Having two different alleles for a trait.

What does Homozygous mean

Having two identical alleles for a trait.

What is Incomplete Dominance

A blending of traits where heterozygotes show an intermediate phenotype.

What is Independent Assortment

Alleles for different traits separate independently during gamete formation.

What are Linked Genes

Genes located close together on the same chromosome that tend to be inherited together.

What is Meiosis

Cell division that produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes.

What is Monohybrid

A cross involving one trait.

What are Multiple Alleles

More than two possible alleles for a gene in a population.

What is a Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence.

What is the P Generation

The parent generation in a genetic cross.

What is a Pedigree

A diagram showing inheritance of traits in a family.

What is a Phenotype

The physical expression of a genotype.

What is Probability

The likelihood that an event will occur.

What is a Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict genetic crosses.

What is Recessive

An allele expressed only when two copies are present.

What are Roman Numerals

I, II, III used to label generations in pedigrees.

What is Segregation

The separation of alleles during gamete formation.

What is Sex-linked

A trait located on a sex chromosome.

What is Sickle Cell Disease

A genetic blood disorder caused by a mutation in hemoglobin.

What is a Square

The symbol representing a male in a pedigree.

What is a Test Cross

A cross between an unknown genotype and a homozygous recessive individual.

What is X-Linked

A trait carried on the X chromosome