Chapter 12 - Introduction to Genetics Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is genetics?

The exchange of genes between chromosomes

An individual's physical appearance

A process in sexual reproduction

The scientific study of biological inheritance (correct)

What is fertilization?

Process in sexual reproduction in which male and female reproductive cells join to form a new cell.

What is a trait?

Specific characteristic that varies from one individual to another.

What is a hybrid?

Offspring of crosses between parents with different contrasting characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What determines an individual's characteristics?

Factors that are passed from one parental generation to the next. Signup and view all the answers

What are alleles?

Different forms of a gene. Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle of dominance?

Mendel's second conclusion, which states that some alleles are dominant and others are recessive. Signup and view all the answers

What is segregation in genetics?

Separation of alleles during gamete formation. Signup and view all the answers

What are gametes?

Reproductive cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is probability in genetics?

Likelihood that a particular event will occur. Signup and view all the answers

What does homozygous mean?

Having two identical alleles for a particular gene. Signup and view all the answers

What does heterozygous mean?

Having two different alleles for a particular gene. Signup and view all the answers

What is a phenotype?

An organism's physical appearance or visible traits. Signup and view all the answers

What is a genotype?

Genetic makeup. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Punnett square?

Diagram showing the gene combinations that might result from a genetic cross. Signup and view all the answers

What is independent assortment?

Independent segregation of genes during the formation of gametes. Signup and view all the answers

What is incomplete dominance?

Cases in which one allele is not completely dominant over another. Signup and view all the answers

What is codominance?

Phenotypes produced by both alleles are clearly expressed. Signup and view all the answers

What are multiple alleles?

A gene that has more than two alleles. Signup and view all the answers

What is a polygenic trait?

Traits controlled by two or more genes. Signup and view all the answers

What does homologous refer to in genetics?

Term used to refer to chromosomes in which one set comes from the male parent and one set comes from the female parent. Signup and view all the answers

What is diploid?

2 sets of homologous chromosomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is haploid?

An organism or cell having only one complete set of chromosomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is meiosis?

Process in which the number of chromosomes per cell is cut in half through the separation of homologous chromosomes in a diploid cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is a tetrad?

Structure containing 4 chromatids that forms during meiosis. Signup and view all the answers

What is crossing over?

The exchange of genes between homologous chromosomes, resulting in a mixture of parental characteristics in offspring. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts in Genetics

Genetics: Study of biological inheritance patterns and variations.
Fertilization: Involves the merger of male and female reproductive cells to create a new organism.
Trait: Unique characteristics that can differ among individuals.

Genetic Terminology

Hybrid: Result of crossing parents with distinct traits, producing diverse offspring.
Gene: Fundamental unit of heredity that determines traits passed through generations.
Allele: Variants of a gene, leading to different trait expressions.

Mendelian Principles

Principle of Dominance: Some alleles are dominant over others, influencing phenotype.
Segregation: Alleles separate during gamete formation, ensuring genetic diversity.
Independent Assortment: Genes segregate independently during gamete formation.

Genetic Composition

Gametes: Reproductive cells that carry genetic information.
Homozygous: Condition of having two identical alleles for a specific trait.
Heterozygous: Condition of having two different alleles for a specific trait.

Phenotype and Genotype

Phenotype: Observable traits of an organism, often influenced by the environment.
Genotype: Genetic constitution that determines various traits.

Genetic Tools and Concepts

Punnett Square: A diagram that predicts offspring traits and genetic combinations from crosses.
Incomplete Dominance: Phenomenon where one allele is not fully dominant, resulting in blended traits.
Codominance: Both alleles express their traits fully and distinctly in the phenotype.

Complexity of Genomics

Multiple Alleles: A gene can exist in more than two forms, leading to diverse traits.
Polygenic Trait: Traits determined by two or more genes, resulting in a range of phenotypes.

Chromosomal Structure

Homologous Chromosomes: Chromosomes with maternal and paternal origins, pairing during meiosis.
Diploid: Cells containing two complete sets of chromosomes (one from each parent).
Haploid: Cells with a single set of chromosomes, essential for sexual reproduction.

Cellular Division

Meiosis: Special cell division that reduces chromosome number by half, critical for gamete formation.
Tetrad: Four-chromatid structure formed during meiosis, allowing genetic recombination.
Crossing Over: Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, enhancing genetic variability.

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Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 12 on genetics. Learn about fundamental terms such as genetics, fertilization, traits, and hybrids. Perfect for students wanting to grasp the basics of biological inheritance.