Unit 2.5: Demonstrate Understanding of Genetic Variation and Change (Notes)

Quiz-style Q&A flashcards covering key genetics terms and concepts from the notes.

What is an allele?

One of the alternative forms of a gene.

What are amino acids?

Monomers of proteins; they bond to form a polypeptide chain.

What is allele frequency?

The percentage/number/proportion of an allele in a gene pool.

What is the bottleneck effect?

A large reduction in the size of a population or gene pool.

What is the centromere?

The part of a chromosome that attaches to the spindle during cell division.

What is a chromatid?

A threadlike strand formed from a chromosome during cell division.

What is a chromosome?

A threadlike structure made of DNA and histone proteins that stores genetic information.

What is cloning?

Artificial production of genetically identical individuals.

What is codominance?

When both alleles in a heterozygous organism are dominant and fully expressed (eg, AB blood group).

What is complete dominance?

The phenotype of the dominant allele is expressed over the recessive allele.

What is crossing over?

The exchange of segments of a chromosome or DNA between homologous chromosomes.

What does diploid mean?

Describing a cell or organism with twice the haploid number of chromosomes.

What is DNA?

Deoxyribonucleic acid; the genetic material that controls protein synthesis.

What is a dominant allele?

The allele expressed when two different alleles are present; typically denoted by a capital letter.

What is the double helix?

A ladder-like molecule twisted into a helix (structure of DNA).

What are eukaryotic cells?

Cells with a distinct nucleus where genetic information is stored.

What is the F1 generation?

The first generation of offspring from a cross between selected parents.