Connecting Meiosis and Human Genetics

These flashcards capture key concepts related to meiosis and human genetics, aiding in the review for the exam.

What is the significance of meiosis in genetics?

Meiosis is responsible for producing haploid cells from a diploid parent cell, contributing to genetic diversity.

What are gametes?

Haploid cells produced through meiosis that carry genetic information from each parent.

What is a gene?

A section of genetic material on a chromosome that codes for a specific trait.

Define allele.

A variation of a gene, with two alleles inherited from each parent.

What does it mean to be homozygous for a trait?

An individual possesses two identical alleles for a trait (e.g., BB or bb).

What is the genotype?

The combination of alleles that an individual possesses for a given trait.

Define phenotype.

The physical manifestation or appearance of traits as a result of genetic makeup.

What is a Punnett Square used for?

A tool to predict the genotypic and phenotypic ratios of offspring based on parental allele combinations.

What is the expected phenotypic ratio from a Tt x Tt cross?

3:1, where 75% are tall (T) and 25% are short (t).

What are physiological traits?

Traits that control processes within the body, such as enzyme or hormone production.

What is a pedigree?

A visual model used to track the genotypes and phenotypes of individuals and their offspring.

What does it mean for an allele to be dominant?

A more common allele represented by a capital letter that masks the effect of a recessive allele.

What is hemophilia and how is it inherited?

A genetic condition affecting blood clotting that is inherited as an X-linked trait.

In sickle-cell disease, what is unique about alleles HbA and HbS?

HbA is the normal allele, while HbS is the mutated allele, and both can express traits through codominance.

Why is sickle-cell disease prevalent in regions affected by malaria?

Individuals with sickle-cell traits have some protection against malaria, making the trait more common in those areas.

What is the relationship between blood types A, B, and O and multiple alleles?

Blood types are determined by three alleles (IA, IB, and i), with IA and IB being codominant and i being recessive.