Genetics and Inheritance

Question 1

genetics

Answer 1

The study of heredity.

Question 2

heredity

Answer 2

The passing of traits onto the next generation.

Question 3

trait

Answer 3

A genetically determined characteristic

Question 4

heterozygous

Answer 4

2 different alleles

Question 5

homozygous

Answer 5

2 alleles that are the same

Question 6

autosomes

Answer 6

Chromosomes that don’t relate to sexual characteristics (we have 22 autosomes)

Question 7

x-linked inheritance

Answer 7

When an allele is inherited on the x - chromosome, the rules are slightly different

Question 8

allele

Answer 8

Different versions of a gene e.g. blue, green, brown

Question 9

homologous

Answer 9

Pairs

Question 10

gene

Answer 10

the basic physical and functional unit of heredity. Genes are made up of DNA.

Question 11

Gregor Mendel

Answer 11

Botanist scientist in the 19th century who discovered the basic principles of genetics. Father of modern genetics.

Question 12

dominant (wildtype)

Answer 12

An allele that will be expressed

Question 13

recessive

Answer 13

An allele that can be hidden by a dominant gene

Question 14

phenotype

Answer 14

The observable trait in an organism

Question 15

genotype

Answer 15

The genetic makeup of the person

Question 16

pedigrees

Answer 16

Family tree used for analysing inheritance of a particular trait (usually for genetic disorders)

Question 17

chromosome

Answer 17

A DNA molecule that condenses during cell division

Question 18

inheritance

Answer 18

The passing down of traits

Question 19

Simple inheritance

Answer 19

When the appearance of a trait is controlled by a single gene