Recording 1: Genetics and Inheritance - Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key genetics and inheritance concepts from the lecture notes.

DNA

The molecule that stores hereditary material in most organisms; double-stranded, replicated during cell division, and contains genes.

Genome

The complete set of genetic material in an organism; sequencing helps trace evolution and timing of mutations.

Mutation

A permanent change in the DNA sequence; source of genetic variation; can be beneficial or deleterious.

Epigenetics

Heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve changes to the DNA sequence itself (e.g., methylation, histone modification) and can be influenced by the environment.

Penetrance

The probability that a person with a mutation will actually express the associated phenotype; environment can modify.

Allele

One of two or more versions of a gene; inherited from parents and can be dominant or recessive.

Dominant

An allele that masks the effect of another allele in a heterozygote.

Recessive

An allele whose effect is masked in a heterozygote and is expressed only when two copies are present.

Mendel's Law of Segregation

During gamete formation, paired alleles separate so offspring receive one allele from each parent.

True Breeding

A line of organisms homozygous for a trait; cross produces offspring with the same phenotype.

Monohybrid Cross

Cross tracking the inheritance of a single gene; often yields a 3:1 phenotypic ratio in the F2 generation.

Discontinuous Variation

Traits with distinct phenotypes (e.g., purple vs white) often controlled by single genes.

Continuous Variation

Traits with a spectrum of phenotypes (e.g., height) usually polygenic and influenced by environment.

Diploid

Organisms that have two sets of chromosomes, carrying two alleles for each gene.

Meiosis

Cell division that produces haploid gametes and increases genetic diversity through recombination.

Chromatid

One of the two identical copies of replicated chromosomes; sister chromatids are separated during cell division.

Transcription

The process of copying a DNA sequence into RNA.

Translation

The process of decoding mRNA into a polypeptide (protein) at the ribosome.

Gene Expression

The overall process by which information from a gene is used to produce a functional product; regulated by many factors.

Housekeeping Genes

Genes required for basic cellular functions; typically expressed in most cell types.

RNA Editing

Post-transcriptional modifications that alter RNA sequences or splicing, increasing protein diversity.

Chromatin

Complex of DNA and proteins that packages DNA into chromosomes and regulates access to genes.

Codon

A triplet of nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid.

Phenotype

Observable traits or characteristics of an organism.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism; the specific alleles present at a gene locus.

Polygenic Trait

A trait influenced by many genes and environmental factors, producing continuous variation.

Phosphorylation

Addition of a phosphate group to a protein, often regulating activity and signaling pathways.

DNA Replication

The process of copying DNA before cell division; involves DNA polymerases and proofreading to minimize errors.