Mendel's Laws & Chromosomal Inheritance

These flashcards cover key concepts related to Mendelian genetics, chromosomal inheritance, and associated biological principles.

P Generation

The parental generation in Mendelian genetics.

F₁ Generation

The first filial generation, consisting of offspring from the P generation.

F₂ Generation

The second filial generation, resulting from a cross of F₁ individuals.

Law of Segregation

The principle stating that allele pairs separate during gamete formation.

Law of Independent Assortment

The principle stating that genes for different traits assort independently of one another in the formation of gametes.

Meiosis

The type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half and leads to the production of gametes.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and ova) that carry only one allele for each gene.

Chromosome Theory of Inheritance

The theory stating that genes are located on chromosomes, which are transmitted to offspring during reproduction.

Sex-linked Recessive Traits

Traits that are associated with genes located on the sex chromosomes, often expressed more in males.

X-inactivation

The process in which one of the two X chromosomes in female mammals is randomly inactivated.

Dosage Compensation

The mechanism to equalize the dosage of X-linked gene expression in males and females.

Chromosomal Aberration

Any change from the normal structure or number of chromosomes that can lead to genetic disorders.

Translocation

A chromosomal aberration in which a chromosome segment is transferred to a different location on the same or another chromosome.

Recombination Frequency

The percentage of recombinant offspring produced in a genetic cross, used for mapping genes.

Testcross

A genetic cross between an organism with an unknown genotype and a homozygous recessive individual to determine the genotype of the former.

Barr Body

An inactivated X chromosome found in female cells.

Klinefelter Syndrome

A genetic condition in males characterized by an extra X chromosome (XXY).

Turner Syndrome

A chromosomal disorder in females where one of the X chromosomes is missing or partially missing (XO).

Cri du Chat Syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by a deletion on the short arm of chromosome 5, characterized by a high-pitched cry.

Mendelian Factors (Genes)

Units of heredity that are inherited according to Mendel's laws, located on chromosomes.