B4 Flashcards
What is the simple definition of a gene
a unit of inheritance located at a particular locus of a chromosome
What is the detailed definition of a gene
A specific DNA sequence which codes for RNA + controls a particular characteristic or protein in an organism
what is an allele
an alternative form of a gene at a particular gene locus
What are alleles responsible for
responsible for determining contrasting traits of the same
character
How do alleles occur in different cell types
alleles occur in pairs in a diploid cell but only one is represented in a gamete
How do alleles position themselves on homologous chromosomes
they occupy the same relative positions on a pair of homologous chromosome
Define phenotype
the physical manifestation of a genetic trait that results from a specific genotype and its interaction with the environment
Define genotype
the complete genetic makeup of an organism (commonly referring to the paired alleles)
Define heterozygous
condition in which the alleles of a gene pair are different (e.g. Tt)
Define homozygous
condition in which the alleles of a gene pair are identical (= true / pure breeding)
- homozygous dominant (e.g. TT)
- homozygous recessive (e.g. tt)
What is homozygous dominant
TT
What is homozygous recessive
tt
Describe the dominant allele
A dominant allele expresses itself and gives the same phenotype in both the homozygous dominant and heterozygous conditions. (masks the influence of the recessive allele)
Describe the recessive allele
A recessive allele does not express itself in the heterozygous condition and only expresses itself in the homozygous recessive condition
What is the structure of a chromosome
rod-like structure visible in the nucleus during cell division