End of term exam

Polygenic traits

Traits that are influenced by multiple genes and can be affected by environmental factors, often distributed in a bell-shaped curve.

Genome-wide association studies

Research methods used to identify large numbers of genes that are associated with a single trait.

Karyotype

A laboratory technique used to visualize chromosomes, which aids in identifying chromosomal abnormalities.

Polyploidy

A condition in which an organism has more than two complete sets of chromosomes, which can affect embryonic development.

Aneuploidy

An abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell, which can lead to developmental issues.

Translocations

A genetic abnormality caused by a segment of one chromosome breaking off and attaching to another chromosome.

Recombinant DNA technology

A biotechnological method used to clone genes for study or application.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to amplify small segments of DNA, creating millions of copies of a specific DNA sequence.

Microarrays

Tools used to simultaneously analyze multiple DNA sequences, allowing for the study of gene expression.

Gene sequencing

The process of determining the nucleotide order of a DNA segment, which aids in understanding genetic information.

Hardy-Weinberg principle

A mathematical model that describes the genetic equilibrium within a population.

Natural selection

The process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to reproduce, leading to evolutionary changes.

Genetic drift

Random changes in allele frequencies within a population, which can significantly impact evolution.

Genomics

The study of the complete set of genes (genome) and their functions.

Bioinformatics

An interdisciplinary field that uses computational tools to manage and analyze biological data.

Proteomics

The large-scale study of proteins, particularly their functions and structures.

Somatic mutation

Changes in the DNA sequence that occur in somatic cells and are not inherited.

Transgenic organism

An organism that has had genes from another species inserted into its genome.

Induced pluripotent stem cells

Somatic cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell-like state.

Genome

The complete set of genetic material in an organism, including all of its genes.

Founders effect

Loss of genetic variation that occurs when a new population is established by a very small number of individuals.

Fitness

The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.