Studying inheritance Flashcards
Define genotype
The genetic constitution of an organism, describing the alleles it possesses and determines the limits within characteristics may vary.
Define allele
One of a number of alternative forms for a gene.
Define phenotype
The observable or biochemical characteristics of an organism.
What is a gene?
A short section of DNA, a sequence of nucleotide bases that code for a particular polypeptide.
What are homologous chromosomes?
A pair of chromosomes, one maternal and one paternal, that have the same gene loci and therefore determine the same features.
What is it called if the alleles are:
a) the same
b) different
a) homozygous
b) heterozygous
Define diploid
A term referring to organisms with two sets of chromosomes.
If two alleles contribute to the phenotype they are referred to as, what?
Codominant, meaning equally dominant.
What does multiple alleles mean?
This is when there are more than two allelic forms coding for a characteristic, for example human blood type.
