NCEA Level 1 Science Genetics Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards generated from NCEA Level 1 Science practice worksheets covering genetics, inheritance, cell division, mutations, and reproduction.

DNA

The molecule that contains all the genetic information in an organism.

Genes

Sections of DNA that control specific traits.

Alleles

Different versions of a gene.

Chromosomes

Tightly coiled structures of DNA that contain many genes.

HTT gene

A gene located on chromosome 4; a changed allele of this gene causes Huntington's disease.

Somatic Mutations

Mutations that occur in body cells (such as skin, muscle, or liver cells) and cannot be passed on to offspring.

Gametic Mutations

Mutations that occur in reproductive sex cells (sperm or egg cells) and can be passed on to offspring.

Sexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving two parents that combines genes to create new allele combinations, producing genetically varied offspring.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving one parent that produces genetically identical offspring quickly and efficiently.

Mitosis

A cell division process yielding 2 genetically identical diploid ($2n$) daughter cells used for body growth.

Meiosis

A cell division process involving 2 divisions that produces 4 genetically varied haploid ($n$) sex cells.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence of an organism.

Genome

The complete set of genetic material in an organism.

Allele Frequency

A measure of how common a particular allele is within a population.

Gene Tracking

A technique using pedigree charts and DNA samples to follow inheritance patterns, identify carriers, and determine the risk of passing on a disease-causing allele.

Genetic Variation

Differences in genes or alleles between individuals of the same species, such as variations in eye color.

Genotype

The specific set of genes or alleles an organism possesses (e.g., $BB$ for brown eyes).

Phenotype

The observable physical characteristics of an organism determined by its genotype (e.g., brown eyes).

Natural Selection

The process through which individuals with traits that help them survive in changing environments are more likely to reproduce and pass on their helpful alleles.