Simplified notes
DNA & Chromosomes:
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): The molecule that carries genetic instructions.
Gene: A unit of heredity that carries a specific trait instruction.
Allele: Different versions of a gene (e.g., brown eye allele, blue eye allele).
Chromosome: Thread-like structures in the cell nucleus that carry genes.
Genetic Variation & Inheritance:
Genetic variation: Differences in DNA sequences between individuals.
Genotype: An individual's complete set of genes.
Phenotype: The observable traits of an organism (e.g., eye color, height).
Dominant allele: An allele that masks the effect of a recessive allele when paired together.
Recessive allele: An allele that is only expressed when paired with another recessive allele.
Homozygous: Having two identical alleles for a particular gene.
Heterozygous: Having two different alleles for a particular gene.
Mendelian Genetics:
Law of Segregation: Alleles separate during gamete formation (sperm and egg cells).
Law of Independent Assortment: Genes for different traits segregate independently during gamete formation.
Other:
Punnett square: A tool used to predict the probability of offspring genotypes in a genetic cross.
Genetic disorder: A condition caused by abnormalities in genes or chromosomes.
DNA & Chromosomes:
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): The molecule that carries genetic instructions.
Gene: A unit of heredity that carries a specific trait instruction.
Allele: Different versions of a gene (e.g., brown eye allele, blue eye allele).
Chromosome: Thread-like structures in the cell nucleus that carry genes.
Genetic Variation & Inheritance:
Genetic variation: Differences in DNA sequences between individuals.
Genotype: An individual's complete set of genes.
Phenotype: The observable traits of an organism (e.g., eye color, height).
Dominant allele: An allele that masks the effect of a recessive allele when paired together.
Recessive allele: An allele that is only expressed when paired with another recessive allele.
Homozygous: Having two identical alleles for a particular gene.
Heterozygous: Having two different alleles for a particular gene.
Mendelian Genetics:
Law of Segregation: Alleles separate during gamete formation (sperm and egg cells).
Law of Independent Assortment: Genes for different traits segregate independently during gamete formation.
Other:
Punnett square: A tool used to predict the probability of offspring genotypes in a genetic cross.
Genetic disorder: A condition caused by abnormalities in genes or chromosomes.