Introduction to Genetics and Pigment Mutations

Vocabulary terms covering basic genetic concepts, gain vs. loss of function mutations, and spore pigment mutant phenotypes from the lecture notes.

Wild type

A strain that produces orange spores due to carotenoid thickness.

Yellow one

A mutant strain that makes only yellow pigments and is recessive to the wild type.

Gain of function mutation

A mutation that causes a gene to perform a new activity or function, such as making a yellow pigment instead of orange.

Loss of function mutation

A mutation where a protein loses its ability to perform a standard function, such as losing the ability to make orange pigment.

Albino mutant

A loss of function mutant that produces white spores.

Albino and yellow strain

A strain constructed with both albino and yellow loss of function mutations, resulting in a phenotype that is only white.