Intro to Genetics:Patterns of Inheritance

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from the lecture on Human Patterns of Inheritance, including DNA, cell division (mitosis and meiosis), genetic principles, genetic disorders, and epigenetics.

Mitosis

Process producing two diploid daughter cells that are both genetically identical to the original parent cell.

Meiosis I

The first stage of meiosis where members of each homologous pair separate.

Meiosis II

The second stage of meiosis where sister chromatids separate.

Diploid (2n)

Cells having two sets of chromosomes.

Haploid (n)

Cells having one set of chromosomes; daughter cells from meiosis are haploid.

Prophase (Mitosis)

The stage of mitosis where individual chromosomes become visible with a light microscope.

Metaphase (Mitosis)

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes align along the equator.

Anaphase (Mitosis)

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids separate.

Telophase (Mitosis)

The stage that results in two diploid daughter cells that are genetically identical to the original parent cell.

Crossing over

A process that can occur during Prophase I of meiosis, contributing to genetic variation.

Homologous Pair (Meiosis)

Chromosomes that align during Metaphase I and whose members separate during Anaphase I.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome formed by DNA replication, joined together, and separate during Anaphase of Mitosis and Meiosis II.

Genes

Inherited units that determine an organism's specific combination of traits.

Meiosis

The production of haploid cells with unpaired chromosomes; process creates gametes.

Gametes

Haploid (1N) cells such as sperm and eggs, created by meiosis, that combine to create a zygote.

Zygote

A diploid (2N) cell formed when gametes combine.

Independent Assortment

A process contributing to variation in offspring when gametes combine, alongside crossing over.

Fertilization

The process of combining the genes of two different parents.

Alleles

Different forms of a gene.

Recessive Alleles

Alleles whose phenotype is seen only when an individual is homozygous recessive.

Dominant Alleles

Alleles whose phenotype is seen when an individual is homozygous dominant or heterozygous.

Mendelian Genetics

Principles of heredity describing how traits are passed from parents to offspring, based on Mendel's studies.

Genetic Disorders

Conditions that can arise due to dangerous mutant alleles.

Mutant Alleles

Dangerous alleles that can lead to genetic disorders.

Newborn Screening

A process usually performed at birth to detect any genetic disorders.

Sickle Cell Disease

A genetic disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells, making them sickle-shaped and sticky.

Carriers (Genetic)

Heterozygotes for a recessive disease who are not affected by the disease but can pass the trait to the next generation.

Co-dominant Alleles

Alleles that determine human blood type, where both alleles are expressed equally.

Antigens (Blood Type)

Proteins that exist on the surface of red blood cells.

ABO Blood Group System

The human blood type system controlled by a single gene on chromosome 9.

Sex-linked Traits

Traits located on sex chromosomes, making males more likely to be affected by conditions caused by recessive alleles on the X chromosome.

Epigenetics

The study of how genetics and environmental factors leave 'marks' on genes that determine how the gene is expressed, effectively turning it 'on' or 'off'.

DNA Methylation

A common and persistent epigenetic change that can affect gene expression by turning a gene 'on' or 'off'.