Genetics and Heredity Flashcards

Key Concepts in Heredity

• Trait: A characteristic that can be inherited from parents to offspring.
• Genetics: The branch of biology focused on heredity and variation in organisms.
• Fertilization: The process involving the union of sperm and egg to form a zygote.

Genetic Terms

• Purebred: Offspring derived from many generations with consistent traits.
• Gene: A segment of DNA on a chromosome that determines a specific trait.
• Alleles: Variants of a gene that exist at the same locus on homologous chromosomes.

Dominance and Recessiveness

• Dominant allele: An allele whose traits are expressed in the organism whenever it is present.
• Recessive allele: An allele that is concealed when a dominant allele is present.

Organism Types

• Hybrid: An organism with two different alleles for a given trait.

Genetic Tools

• Punnett square: A diagram used to predict the genetic variation from a genetic cross.
• Phenotype: The observable traits of an organism, resulting from the genotype.
• Genotype: The genetic composition of an organism, represented by the alleles it possesses.

Genetic Processes

• Meiosis: A type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes in gametes by half.
• DNA: The molecular structure that serves as the genetic material for all living organisms.

Chromosomal Genetics

• Sex chromosomes: The pair of chromosomes that determine an individual's sex, includes X and Y chromosomes.
• Sex-linked gene: A gene located on a sex chromosome, often affecting traits linked to gender.

Inheritance Patterns

• Carrier: An individual possessing one recessive allele, who does not exhibit the associated trait.
• Genetic disorder: An inherited condition arising from abnormal genes or chromosomes.

Family and Genetic Studies

• Pedigree: A family tree diagram that illustrates the inheritance of traits through generations.
• Karyotype: An organized profile of an individual's chromosomes, used to assess chromosomal abnormalities.
• Hybridization: A breeding technique that involves crossing different individuals to produce hybrids.

Test your knowledge of key terms and concepts related to genetics and heredity with these flashcards. Each card covers important terminology such as traits, genes, and fertilization to help reinforce your understanding of how traits are passed from parents to offspring.