Genetics and Humans

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the Genetics and Humans lecture focusing on genetic studies and methodologies.

Genetic Linkage

An exception to independent assortment; genes that occur on the same chromosome in close proximity exhibit linkage, meaning linked alleles are more likely to be inherited together.

Linkage Disequilibrium

Marker alleles appear together in a disease population more often than expected, indicating a genetic correlation.

Polymorphism

Unique sites in the genome that can vary slightly between individual genomes.

Cross-sectional Study

Analyze all individuals at one time point; pros include large numbers while cons include failing to account for differing histories.

Longitudinal Study

Follow individuals over time; it accounts for differing histories but is expensive and challenging in large numbers.

Randomized Controlled Trials

Gold-standard for isolating single variables through intervention between two groups, but can be very expensive.

Natural Experiments

Observational studies where researchers analyze the effects of natural variations, useful in pedigree studies.

Pedigrees

Tools in genetics that determine inheritance patterns, probabilities of disease inheritance, and the identification of mutated genes.

Recombination Frequency

Measurement used to determine the distance between linked genes, expressed in centimorgans (cM).

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)

Genetic variations that occur at a single nucleotide position in the genome.