. Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is a genetic trait?
A particular version of an inherited characteristic
Includes features like eye color, shape of leaf, color of flower, etc.
Why did Mendel choose pea plants for his experiments?
They reproduce quickly and can self-fertilize or cross-fertilize
What is the significance of true-breeding plants in Mendel’s experiments?
Offspring produced will have the same trait when using sexual reproduction with another true-breeding plant
What are hybrids in Mendel’s genetics?
Offspring of two different true-breeding plants
What did Mendel do to prevent self-pollination in his experiments?
He removed the anther (male organ)
What are the parental and filial generations in Mendel’s experiments?
Parental (P) generation are the true-breeding plants; hybrids resulting are called filial (F1) generation
What is the result of a monohybrid cross in Mendel’s experiments?
F2 generation always had a 3:1 ratio of traits: 3 purple & 1 white
What are alleles?
Unique genes on a chromosome in gametes
What does it mean to be homozygous?
Having identical alleles
What does it mean to be heterozygous?
Having different alleles
What is the Law of Segregation?
Parent with 2 copies of each gene can pass either allele
What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?
Phenotype is the expressed traits; genotype is the genetic makeup (homozygous or heterozygous)
Fill in the blank: If alleles are identical, you are _______
homozygous
Fill in the blank: If alleles are different, you are _______
heterozygous
True or False: Dominant alleles mask recessive alleles.
True
List the four key points about chromosomes and genes.
- Chromosomes come in pairs
- Genes code for specific traits
- Different versions (alleles) exist
- Dominant alleles mask recessive alleles
