Genetics, Heredity, Natural Selection, Ecology, DNA & Protein Synthesis Vocabulary

Flashcards containing the vocabulary words and definitions.

Allele

Different versions of a gene (Example: B or b).

Gene

A part of DNA that controls a trait (like eye color).

Homozygous

Same alleles (BB or bb).

Heterozygous

Different alleles (Bb).

Dominant

Stronger allele that shows up (B).

Recessive

Hidden unless both are recessive (b).

Incomplete Dominance

Mix of traits (red+white = pink).

Codominance

Both traits show (black+white = spots).

Genotype

The genes (letters like Bb).

Phenotype

What you see (like brown eyes).

Karyotype

A picture of chromosomes, used to find genetic problems.

Diploid

Full set of chromosomes (46 in humans).

Haploid

Half set of chromosomes (23 in egg/sperm).

Mendelian

Dominant & Recessive inheritance.

Non-Mendelian

Incomplete dominance, codominance, etc. inheritance.

Pedigree Chart

Family tree of traits used to track inherited traits.

Dominant Genetic Disorder

Only need 1 allele for the disorder to be present. (e.g., Huntington's)

Recessive Genetic Disorder

Need 2 alleles for the disorder to be present. (e.g., cystic fibrosis)

Sex-linked Genetic Disorder

On X chromosome (e.g., color blindness)

Variation

Differences.

Mutation

Change in DNA.

Adaptation

Helps survival.

Homologous structures

Same structure, different function.

Analogous structures

Different structure, same function.

Vestigial structures

Leftovers (like a tailbone)

Producer

Plants.

Primary Consumer

Herbivore.

Secondary Consumer

Carnivore/Omnivore.

Tertiary Consumer

Top predator.

Decomposer

Breaks down dead stuff.

Herbivore

Eats plants.

Carnivore

Eats animals.

Omnivore

Eats both plants and animals.

Keystone Species/Trophic Cascade

One important species affects whole ecosystem.

Nucleotide

Sugar, phosphate, base.

mRNA

Carries code.

tRNA

Brings amino acids.

rRNA

Builds protein.

Codon

3 bases on mRNA.

Anticodon

Match on tRNA.

Helicase

Unzips DNA.

Polymerase

Builds new strand.

Bases

A, T, C, G.

Gene

Trait info.

DNA

Molecule of life.

Chromosome

DNA bundle (46 in humans).

Central Dogma

DNA → RNA → Protein

Deletion

Base missing.

Insertion

Extra base.

Missense

Base swapped. Changes amino acid

Silent

Base swapped. No change

Nonsense

Base swapped. Stop signal