Genes Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is a gene?

A unit of heredity found in a certain place on a chromosome and that codes for a certain product.

What is heredity?

The passing of genes from parent to offspring.

What is an allele?

Various forms of the same gene.

What is phenotype?

The actual characteristics an organism has. Signup and view all the answers

What is genotype?

The genes an organism has. Signup and view all the answers

What is an allele that is expressed in the phenotype even if only one copy is in the genotype?

Dominant. Signup and view all the answers

What is an allele that is expressed in the phenotype when two copies of it are present in the genotype?

Recessive. Signup and view all the answers

Do cells contain chromosomes?

True Signup and view all the answers

Do some organisms reproduce with asexual reproduction?

True Signup and view all the answers

Many traits are _______.

inherited. Signup and view all the answers

An ___________ trait is a trait that is developed during life.

acquired. Signup and view all the answers

What function do genes serve?

They code for traits in organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is one function of the X and Y chromosomes in humans?

They determine the sex. Signup and view all the answers

What is the phenotype?

Actual characteristics such as hair color or eye color. Signup and view all the answers

What are mutations?

Any permanent change in the DNA sequence of a gene or chromosome of a cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is a section of DNA on a chromosome that contains the instructions for making a specific protein?

A gene. Signup and view all the answers

What does the A stand for?

Adenine. Signup and view all the answers

What does the T stand for?

Thymine. Signup and view all the answers

What does the C stand for?

Cytosine. Signup and view all the answers

What does the G stand for?

Guanine. Signup and view all the answers

What letters go together in DNA sequences?

AT and GC. Signup and view all the answers

What is found on RNA but not DNA?

Uracil. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Punnett square?

A graphic that shows how parents' alleles might combine in offspring. Signup and view all the answers

What do Punnett squares show?

Possible outcomes for inheritance. Signup and view all the answers

How many alleles does the offspring receive from each parent?

One. Signup and view all the answers

Each parent has how many alleles for a gene?

Two. Signup and view all the answers

Each human cell with its 46 chromosomes contains how many base pairs in its DNA?

6 billion. Signup and view all the answers

What can damage DNA and cause mutations?

X rays. Signup and view all the answers

What are alleles?

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

Study Notes

Genes Overview

A gene is a hereditary unit located on a chromosome, coding for specific products.
Genes serve as the instructions for traits and functions in organisms.
Each gene can have multiple forms called alleles.

Heredity

Heredity refers to the transmission of genes from parent to offspring.
Traits inherited through heredity influence key characteristics.

Alleles

Alleles are variations of the same gene that can affect traits.
Dominant alleles manifest in the phenotype even with one copy present.
Recessive alleles only express themselves in the phenotype when two copies are present.

Genotype and Phenotype

Genotype represents the genetic makeup of an organism.
Phenotype describes the observable characteristics, such as hair or eye color.

Chromosomes and Cells

All cells contain chromosomes that house genes.
Humans have 46 chromosomes, comprising a vast number of DNA base pairs (6 billion).

Reproduction

Organisms can reproduce sexually or asexually, with traits being passed down through generations.
Each parent provides one allele for each gene, totaling two alleles per parent.

DNA and RNA

DNA sequences consist of base pairs: Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T), and Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G).
RNA differs from DNA by containing Uracil (U) instead of Thymine.

Mutations

Mutations are permanent alterations in the DNA sequence of a gene or chromosome, potentially causing changes in traits.
Mutagens, such as X-rays, can damage DNA, leading to mutations.

Punnett Squares

Punnett squares illustrate potential combinations of parental alleles in offspring.
They predict possible outcomes for inheritance based on parental genotypes.

Acquired Traits

Some traits, known as acquired traits, develop during an organism's life and are not inherited genetically.

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Description

Explore essential concepts related to genetics with these flashcards. From basic definitions like gene and allele to complex topics such as phenotype and heredity, this quiz helps reinforce your understanding of genetic principles. Perfect for students studying biology or preparing for exams.