3.2 Flashcards
Homologous chromosomes
carry the same sequence of genes but not necessarily the same alleles of those genes
maternal and paternal chromosome pairs are called?
homologous chromosomes
Homologous chromosomes are chromosomes that share:
The same structural features (e.g. same size, same banding patterns, same centromere positions)
The same genes at the same loci positions (while the genes are the same, alleles may be different)
Why must homologous chromosomes be separated in the gametes
Homologous chromosomes must be separated in gametes (via meiosis) prior to reproduction, in order to prevent chromosome numbers continually doubling with each generation
How many different types of chromosomes are there?
23 types of chromosomes in humans
- each carry different groups of genes
What are karyotypes?
the number and types of chromosomes in a eukaryotic cell
How are gametes formed?
by the process of meiosis
Genotype
The gene composition (i.e. allele combination) for a specific trait
- genotype of a particular gene will typically be either homozygous or heterozygous
Phenotype
The observable characteristics of a specific trait (i.e. the physical expression)
- phenotype is determined by both the genotype and environmental influences
What will the dominant allele do to the recessive allele?
The dominant allele will mask the recessive allele when in a heterozygous state
When will the recessive allele be expressed?
The recessive allele will only be expressed in the phenotype when in a homozygous state
When does co-dominance occur?
when pairs of alleles are both expressed equally in the phenotype of a heterozygous individual
What are ABO blood groups joined by?
a single gene with multiple alleles (A, B, O)
- The A, B and O alleles all produce a basic antigen on the surface of red blood cells
Which red blood cell alleles are co-dominant?
A & B
- each modify the structure of the antigen to produce different variants
Which red blood cell is recessive?
The O allele
- it does not modify the basic antigenic structure
Why are blood transfusions are not compatible between certain blood groups?
humans produce antibodies against foreign antigens
What type of blood can AB blood groups receive?
AB blood groups can receive blood from any other type (as they already possess both antigenic variants on their cells)
What type of blood can A blood groups receive?
cannot receive B blood or AB blood (as the isoantigen produced by the B allele is foreign)
What type of blood can B blood groups receive?
cannot receive A blood or AB blood (as the isoantigen produced by the A allele is foreign)