Animal Terms and Usage Quiz

Genetic Code and Nucleotides

• A codon is a set of three nucleotides that encodes a specific amino acid in the genetic code.

DNA Structure

• DNA is a compound composed of deoxyribose sugar, phosphoric acid, and nitrogenous bases, forming a double helix structure that encodes genetic information.

Allele Expression

• Codominance describes the situation where both alleles of a gene pair are fully expressed, with neither allele being dominant or recessive.

Parental Value

• Genetic value refers to the worth of a sires or dams as parents, assessed based on the performance differences observed in a large number of their offspring compared to the population's average.

Gene Location

• An allele is one member of a pair of genes located at a specific position, known as a locus, on homologous chromosomes.

Chromosomal Changes

• Chromosomal recombination is the process that results in the formation of new chromosomes through the splitting and rejoining of original chromosomes.

Heritability

• Heritability quantifies the proportion of phenotypic variation in a population attributed to genetic factors, indicating the potential for traits to be passed on to the next generation.

Genotype

• Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, encompassing all the genes that contribute to an individual's traits.

Genetic Engineering

• Genetic engineering is the direct manipulation of an organism's DNA to modify its genetic makeup for specific purposes, such as improving resistance to diseases.

Haploid Cells

• Haploid cells contain one complete set of chromosomes, half the number found in diploid cells, which is typical of gametes.

Incomplete Dominance

• Incomplete dominance occurs when neither allele in a heterozygous organism is fully dominant, resulting in a phenotype that is a blend of both traits.

Locus

• A locus is the specific, fixed position on a chromosome where a particular gene or genetic marker is located.

Mutation

• A mutation is a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence of an organism, which can lead to a change in phenotype or function.

Pedigree

• A pedigree is a diagram that represents the genetic relationships and inheritance patterns among individuals within a family or a species.

Estimated Breeding Value (EBV)

• The estimated breeding value is a prediction of an individual's genetic potential as a parent, calculated based on performance data and genetic analysis.

Heritability Estimate

• The heritability estimate is a statistical measure that indicates the extent to which variation in a trait can be attributed to genetic differences among individuals in a given population.