Vocabulary #1 Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is genetics?
The science study of heredity
Genetics explores how traits are passed from parents to offspring.
Define fertilization.
Process of reproduction cells joining
This is the initial step in the development of a new organism.
What is a trait?
A specific characteristic of an individual
Traits can be physical or behavioral.
What are hybrids?
Offspring of crosses between parents with different traits
Hybrids often exhibit a mix of traits from both parents.
What are genes?
Factors that are passed from parents to offspring
Genes are responsible for inherited characteristics.
What are alleles?
Different forms of a gene
Alleles can be dominant or recessive.
What is the principle of dominance?
Some alleles are dominant and some are recessive
Dominant alleles can mask the effect of recessive alleles.
Define segregation in genetics.
Separation
This refers to the separation of alleles during gamete formation.
What are gametes?
Sex cells
Gametes include sperm and egg cells.
What is probability in genetics?
The likelihood that a particular event will occur
Probability is used to predict genetic outcomes.
What does homozygous mean?
Organisms that have two identical alleles for a particular gene
Homozygous can be dominant or recessive.
What does heterozygous mean?
Organisms that have two different alleles for the same gene
Heterozygous individuals can show dominant traits.
Define phenotype.
Physical traits
Phenotype is the observable expression of a genotype.
What is genotype?
Genetic makeup
Genotype refers to the specific alleles an organism carries.
What is a Punnett square?
Simple diagram that predicts the gene combination
A Punnett square is used to predict the genetic makeup of offspring.
Define independent assortment.
Genes of different traits segregate independently during the formation of gametes
This principle explains genetic variation.
What is incomplete dominance?
One allele is not completely dominant over another
This results in a blend of traits in the phenotype.
What is codominance?
two alleles producing a phenotype
In codominance, both traits are fully expressed.
What are multiple alleles?
gene with more than two alleles
An example is the ABO blood group system.
What are polygenic traits?
Traits controlled by 2 or more genes
Examples include skin color and height.
What are homologous chromosomes?
Two sets of chromosomes
Homologous chromosomes carry the same genes but may have different alleles.
What does diploid mean?
two sets of homologous chromosomes
Diploid cells have two complete sets of chromosomes.
What does haploid mean?
Cell contains a single set of chromosomes and a single set of genes
Haploid cells are typically gametes.
Define meiosis.
Process in which the number of chromosomes per cell is cut in half
Meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction.
