Chapter 15: The Human Genome

Biology

genome

entire set of genetic information that an organism carries in its DNA

karyotype

micrograph of the complete diploid set of chromosomes grouped together in pairs, arranged in order of decreasing size

sex chromosome

one of two chromosomes that determines an individual's sex

autosome

chromosome that is not a sex chromosome

sex-linked gene

a gene located on a sex chromosome

pedigree

chart that shows the presence or absence of a trait according to the relationships within a family across several generations

nondisjunction

Error in meiosis in which homologous chromosomes fail to separate properly

restriction enzyme

Enzyme that cuts DNA at a specific sequence of nucleotides

gel electrophoresis

Procedure used to separate and analyze DNA fragments by placing a mixture of DNA fragments at one end of a porous gel and applying an electrical voltage to the gel

genomic imprinting

process in which epigenetic marks affect gene expression by altering chromatin structure