Genetics Flashcards
(26 cards)
Allele
A version of a gene.
Amino acids
Small molecules from which proteins are assembled.
Chromosome
A long, coiled molecule of DNA that carries genetic information in the form
of genes.
Coding DNA
A sequence of DNA that codes for the production of a protein.
Complementary base pairing
Describes how weak hydrogen bonds form between
complementary base pairs. A pairs with T and C pairs with G
Diploid cell
A cell that contains two copies of each chromosome (i.e. a full set of
chromosomes).
Diploid cell
A cell that contains two copies of each chromosome (i.e. a full set of
chromosomes).
DNA
A double-stranded polymer, wound to form a double helix, that carries the genetic
code.
Dominant
Describes an allele that is always expressed. Represented by a capital letter
Gametes
Sex cells (sperm and egg cells) with half the usual number of chromosomes.
Gene
A length of DNA on a chromosome that codes for the production of a specific protein.
Genome
The complete genetic material of an organism.
Genotype
An organism’s genetic composition. Describes all alleles.
Haploid cell
A cell that contains a single copy of each chromosome (i.e. half the number of
chromosomes)
Heterozygous
When someone has two different alleles of a gene, e.g. Ff
Homozygous
When someone has two identical alleles of a gene, e.g. ff
Human genome project
An international research project involving thousands of scientists
which successfully mapped the entire human genome.
Meiosis
A form of cell division that produces four genetically different daughter cells
(gametes) with a haploid number of chromosomes.
Mutation
A random change in the base sequence of DNA which may result in genetic
variants. Mutations may be beneficial, damaging, or neutral.
Nucleotides
The monomers of DNA consisting of a common sugar, a phosphate group
and one of four chemical bases (A, T, C, G) attached to the sugar.
Phenotype
An organism’s observable characteristics due to interactions of the genotype
and the environment.
Protein
A large molecule that is synthesised from amino acids.
Recessive
Describes an allele that is only expressed in the absence of a dominant allele.
Represented by a small letter.
Sexual reproduction
A form of reproduction that creates genetic variation, involving the
fusion of male and female gametes.
