Science (Biology) - Genetics And Inheritance Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is a nucleus?
Location in a eukaryotic cell where the generic material is stored
What is a chromosome?
The individual strands of DNA
What is a gene?
A section of a chromosome which codes for a particular characteristic
What is an allele?
Different versions of the same gene
What is a dominant allele?
A characteristic which is expressed regardless of the paired allele
What is a recessive allele?
A characteristic which is only expressed if paired with an identical
What is a gamete?
A sex cell (sperm cell or egg cell)
What does homozygous mean?
Both alleles for a particular characteristic are identical.
What does heterozygous mean?
The alleles for a particular characteristic are differnent
What is a genotype?
The gene and alleles which determine the characteristics of an organism
What is a phenotype?
The physical expression of the characteristics in an organism
DNA is short for…
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Where is DNA found?
In the nucleus of cells
What shape is DNA?
Double helix
What is selective breeding?
When humans choose parents to breed together in order for the parents to produce offspring with certain desirable characteristics
Name 2 advantages of selective breeding
~ Can produce animals and plants with desirable characteristic
~ Disease resistance in food crops or garden plants
~ New varieties of crops
Name 2 disadvantages of selective breeding
~ Can lead to inbreeding
~ Easier to pass on harmful recessive alleles (smaller gene pool)
~ More likely susceptible to diseases
