Topic 3 Genetics Flashcards
Allele
A version of the gene
Amino acids
Small molecules from which proteins are assembled
Asexual reproduction
A form of reproduction involving a single parent that creates genetically identical offspring.
Dominant
Describes an allele that is always expressed. Represented by a capital letter.
Environmental variation
Differences in phenotype acquired during the lifespan of an organism due to environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, climate, exposure to light etc.
Fertilisation
Fertilisation - The fusion of the nucleus of male and female gametes. Restores the full chromosome number.
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.
Genetic variation
Genetic variation - Differences in the genotypes of organisms of the same species due to the presence of different alleles, arising through mutations and sexual reproduction. It creates variation in phenotypes.
Genome
The complete genetic material of an organism.
Heterozygous
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.
Zygote
A diploid cell formed by the fusion of the nucleus of a male gamete with the nucleus of a female gamete.
Phenotype is
An organism’s observable characteristics due to interactions of the genotype and the environment.
Ribosomes
Sub-cellular structures that are the site of protein sunthesis.
