1.2 Genes in the Transmission of Traits and Genetic Variation Flashcards
What is the definition of genetics?
study of heredity; how genes contribute to the passing of traits
What is the chromosomal theory of inheritance?
both heredity and development depended on the passing of genetic information via genes that were contained within chromosomes
What birthed classical genetics?
Mendel’s genetics and the chromosomal theory of inheritance
What jobs is an understanding of genetics important for?
bioengineering
forensics
agriculture
What are genes?
hereditary units which are transferred from a parent to offspring and determine a characteristic of the offspring
What allowed researchers to actually see and identify chromosomes?
advancement of microscopes
What are chromosomes?
hold the genetic information for almost all living organisms
Where are chromosomes found?
nucleus
What is the diploid number?
2n; specific number of chromosomes in an organism
What is the haploid number?
n
What are pairs of chromosomes known as?
homologous chromosomes
What controls the separation of chromosomes?
two distinct processes during cell division
What are alleles?
alternative versions of a gene
What can cause alleles?
genetic mutations
What is a wild-type allele?
gene that occurs most often in a population
