Module 10: Genes and Inheritance

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to genes and inheritance, as outlined in the lecture notes for Module 10.

Phenotype

The observable physical characteristics or traits of an organism, determined by its genotype.

Genotype

The genetic makeup or allele combination of an organism.

Homozygous

A genotype that has two identical alleles for a particular gene.

Heterozygous

A genotype that has two different alleles for a particular gene.

Dominant Allele

An allele that is always expressed in the phenotype when present.

Recessive Allele

An allele that is not expressed in the phenotype unless two copies are present.

Law of Segregation

The principle stating that alleles separate during gamete formation, and offspring inherit one allele from each parent.

Law of Independent Assortment

The principle that alleles for different traits are inherited independently of one another.

X-linked Traits

Traits associated with genes located on the X chromosome, often showing different inheritance patterns in males and females.

Incomplete Dominance

A genetic situation in which neither allele is completely dominant, resulting in a phenotype that is a blend of the two alleles.

Quantitative Traits

Traits that show a continuous range of phenotypes, typically influenced by multiple genes.

Linked Genes

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

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring from a genetic cross.

Pedigree

A diagram that shows the occurrence and appearance of phenotypes of a particular gene or organism from one generation to the next.

Autosomal Traits

Traits encoded by genes located on non-sex chromosomes.