B12 Reproduction Flashcards
alleles
different forms of the same gene sometimes referred to as variants
asexual reproduction
involves only one individual and the offspring is identical to the parent. There is no fusion of gametes or mixing of genetic information
carriers
individuals who are heterozygous for a recessive allele linked to a genetic disorder. Carriers have one healthy allele so are not affected themselves but they can pass on the affected allele to their offspring
cystic fibrosis
an inherited disorder that affects the lungs, digestive, and reproductive system and is inherited through a recessive allele
dominant allele
the phenotype will be apparent in the offspring even if only one of the alleles is inherited
genetic engineering
the process by which scientists can manipulate and change the genotype of an organism
genotype
the genetic makeup of an individual for a particular characteristic, for example hair or eye colour
heterozygote
individual with different alleles for a characteristic
homozygote
individual with two identical alleles for a characteristic
meiosis
two stage process of cell division that reduces the chromosome number of daughter cells. It is involved in making gametes for sexual reproduction
phenotype
the physical appearance / biochemistry of an individual for a particular characteristic
polydactyly
a dominant inherited disorder that results in babies born with extra fingers and/or toes
Punnett square diagram
a way of modelling a genetic cross and predicting the outcome using probability
recessive
a phenotype that will only show up in the offspring if both of the alleles coding for that characteristic are inherited
sex chromosomes
carry the information that determines the sex of an individual
