Untitled Flashcards Set

AP Biology Unit 5 Study Guide: Heredity

Key Concepts:

Mendelian Genetics:

• Gregor Mendel: Father of genetics; conducted experiments with pea plants.

• Law of Segregation: Each organism carries two alleles for each trait; alleles segregate during gamete formation.

• Law of Independent Assortment: Alleles for different traits assort independently during gamete formation.

Terms to Know:

• Genotype: Genetic makeup of an organism (e.g., AA, Aa, aa).

• Phenotype: Physical expression of a trait.

• Homozygous: Two identical alleles for a trait.

• Heterozygous: Two different alleles for a trait.

Punnett Squares:

• A tool used to predict the genotype and phenotype of offspring from parental crosses.

Non-Mendelian Inheritance:

• Incomplete Dominance: Heterozygotes have a phenotype that is intermediate between the two homozygous parents.

• Codominance: Both alleles are fully expressed in the phenotype of heterozygotes (e.g., AB blood type).

• Polygenic Inheritance: Multiple genes affect one trait (e.g., skin color).

• Epistasis: One gene affects the expression of another gene.

Sex-Linked Traits:

• Traits that are associated with genes located on sex chromosomes, often X-linked (e.g., color blindness).

Pedigree Analysis:

• A diagram that shows the occurrence and appearance of phenotypes in several generations of a family.

Biotechnology and Genetics:

• DNA Extraction: The process of isolating DNA from cells.

• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): A technique used to amplify DNA segments.

• Gel Electrophoresis: A method for separating DNA fragments based on size.

Ethical Considerations:

• Discuss the implications of genetic engineering and biotechnology on society.

Review Questions:

1. Describe the significance of Mendel's work on genetics.

2. How do Punnett squares illustrate the principles of inheritance?

3. Explain the difference between codominance and incomplete dominance.

4. What are some ethical concerns related to genetic testing and modification?