Genetics Chapter 7 Vocabulary Flashcards

Study Notes

Genetic Concepts

Carrier: An individual who inherits a recessive allele for a genetic trait but does not exhibit the associated phenotype or symptoms.
Sex-linked Gene: Genes located on sex chromosomes; for instance, colorblindness in humans is linked to the X chromosome, affecting only males and females differently.
X Chromosome Inactivation: A mechanism in females that inactivates one of the two X chromosomes in each cell to balance gene expression between sexes, as males have only one X chromosome.
Incomplete Dominance: A genetic scenario where one allele is not completely dominant over another, leading to an intermediate phenotype rather than a straightforward dominant-recessive expression.
Codominance: Occurs when both alleles of a gene are expressed, resulting in a phenotype that displays characteristics of both alleles, rather than one masking the other.
Polygenic Trait: Traits influenced by multiple genes, exhibiting continuous variation; examples include height and skin color, which do not fall into simple categories.

Genetic Mapping and Analysis

Linkage Map: Tool used to determine the relative positions of genes on a chromosome based on their inheritance patterns; reflects how frequently two gene loci are inherited together rather than exact physical distances.
Pedigree: A family tree representation showing genetic relationships and inheritance patterns of traits or diseases across generations, highlighting carriers and affected individuals.
Karyotype: The complete set and structured appearance of chromosomes in an organism's cells, essential for identifying chromosomal abnormalities and understanding genetic makeup.

Description

Explore key vocabulary terms from Chapter 7 of genetics, focusing on essential concepts like 'carrier' and 'sex linked gene'. These flashcards will enhance your understanding of genetic inheritance and associated traits.