Heredity Vocabulary Practice

Questions and Answers

What is Polygenic Inheritance?

When one gene controls one trait

When all traits are influenced by a single gene

When several genes influence one trait (correct)

When genes are shared by homologous chromosomes

What is an allele?

A version of a gene

What is codominance?

When the heterozygous genotype results in a phenotype where both alleles are expressed fully and separately.

What are autosomes?

Chromosomes in 1-44 in humans Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean if a trait is recessive?

Only expressed when genotype is homozygous Signup and view all the answers

What are sex-linked genes?

Genes that travel on the X chromosome Signup and view all the answers

What is the Law of Independent Assortment?

Chromosomes line up randomly during metaphase, so it's possible for any combination of chromosomes to be passed on from parents. Signup and view all the answers

What is a karyotype?

A diagram that shows homologous chromosome pairs Signup and view all the answers

What is a protein?

The macromolecules that are made according to instructions from DNA Signup and view all the answers

What does heterozygous mean?

A genotype resulting from inheriting two different alleles from your parents Signup and view all the answers

What is a gene?

A section of a chromosome that codes for one protein Signup and view all the answers

What are linked genes?

Genes that are likely inherited together because they are physically close to each other on the same chromosome Signup and view all the answers

What does dominant mean?

Overshadows the other allele when the genotype is heterozygous Signup and view all the answers

What is a phenotype?

The physical trait expressed Signup and view all the answers

What are multiple alleles?

More than 2 versions of a gene (more than just a 'dominant' and a 'recessive') Signup and view all the answers

What is a chromosome?

Condensed genetic material Signup and view all the answers

What is epistasis?

When one gene overshadows another in a situation where a trait is polygenic Signup and view all the answers

What is the Law of Segregation?

Each sex cell gets only one chromosome from each homologous chromosome pair Signup and view all the answers

What does homozygous mean?

A genotype caused by inheriting the same alleles from your parents Signup and view all the answers

What is DNA?

The macromolecule that has the instructions for making you who you are Signup and view all the answers

What is incomplete dominance?

When the heterozygous genotype results in a phenotype where the two alleles are blended together Signup and view all the answers

What is a genotype?

The actual alleles you inherit Signup and view all the answers

What are sex chromosomes?

The chromosomes that determine your sex Signup and view all the answers

What is a carrier?

A person that has the gene for a trait or disease but doesn't show it Signup and view all the answers

What is the Law of Dominance?

Some versions of genes are dominant over others Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Heredity Vocabulary

Polygenic Inheritance: Involves multiple genes influencing a single trait, leading to a range of phenotypic expressions.
Allele: Different forms of a gene that determine specific traits.
Codominance: A genetic scenario where both alleles in a heterozygous genotype are fully and distinctly expressed in the phenotype.
Autosomes: Non-sex chromosomes in humans, accounting for chromosome pairs 1 through 44.
Recessive: An allele that is only phenotypically expressed when present in a homozygous form.
Sex-Linked: Refers to genes located on the X chromosome, influencing traits often related to gender.
Law of Independent Assortment: States that allele pairs separate independently during gamete formation, resulting in diverse genetic combinations.
Karyotype: A visual representation of an individual's chromosomes, organized in homologous pairs.
Protein: Essential macromolecules synthesized based on genetic information encoded in DNA.
Heterozygous: Describes a genotype with two different alleles for a given gene inherited from each parent.
Gene: A DNA sequence on a chromosome that encodes instructions for producing specific proteins.
Linked Genes: Genes that tend to be inherited together due to their close proximity on the same chromosome.
Dominant: Refers to an allele that can mask the effect of another allele when present in a heterozygous genotype.
Phenotype: The observable traits or characteristics resulting from an organism's genotype.
Multiple Alleles: Situations where more than two alleles exist for a single gene, allowing for complex inheritance patterns.
Chromosome: Structures within cells that house genetic material, consisting of DNA tightly coiled around proteins.
Epistasis: The interaction where one gene can suppress or modify the expression of another gene in polygenic traits.
Law of Segregation: Each gamete receives only one chromosome from each homologous pair during meiosis.
Homozygous: A genotype formed by inheriting identical alleles from both parents.
DNA: The foundational macromolecule carrying genetic blueprints for an organism's development and functioning.
Incomplete Dominance: A genetic expression pattern where the heterozygous phenotype is a blend of the two alleles.
Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism, represented by the specific alleles inherited.
Sex Chromosomes: Chromosomes that determine an individual's biological sex, primarily X and Y chromosomes.
Carrier: An individual who possesses a gene for a particular trait or genetic disorder but does not exhibit the trait or disorder.
Law of Dominance: Some alleles can overshadow the effect of others, with dominant alleles prevailing in heterozygous conditions.

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Description

Test your understanding of key heredity terms with this vocabulary practice quiz. Focus on terms like polygenic inheritance, alleles, and codominance to enhance your genetics knowledge. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their grasp of genetic concepts!