BIOLOGY - Genetics and DNA Glossary Flashcards
Alleles
Different versions of the same gene
Asexual reproduction
Reproduction that only has one parent, offspring will be identical, no gametes.
Carrier
Person that doesn’t show symtoms but carry a disease which they can pass onto other people and offspring.
Chromosomes
Found in nucleus of cell. We have 46 of them (Theodor’s got 48)
Clones
Genetically identical to parents.
Continuous variation
A feature that can vary, like height and weight.
Cystic fibrosis
Inherited disease that results in the procution of too much thick, sticky mucus.
Denatured
A term used to describe the altering of the active site on an enzyme. Making something unnatural.
Discontinuous variation
Variation with limited options, like tongue rolling (you can either do it, or you can’t)
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid, found inside the nucleus. Carries genetic information.
Dominant gene
Gene that shows up as characteristic in an organism (dark hair for example)
Double Helix
The twisted shape that DNA takes
Endangered
A species is endangered if there are only a few of them left in the world.
Enzymes
Biological catalysts that assist in chemical reactions.
Extinct
There are no more of these organisms left in the world.
Gametes
Sex cells
Genes
Made up of DNA. Control an organism’s characteristics
Gene bank
A store of genetic information to help prevent extinction.
Genetic engineering
Changing an organism’s characteristics by changing a gene.
Genetics
Study of genes
Genotype
Description of genes of an organism
Heredity
The passing of genes from parents to offspring
Natural selection
Term created my Charles Darwin. Organisms with the most suited characteristics survive, reproduce and pass on their genes to the next generation.
Nucleus
Central part of cell. Contains chromosomes and genes.
Phenotype
Appearance/Visual characteristics of an individual.
Polydactyly
Inheri ted condition in which a person has an extra toe or finger. Caused by a dominant gene.
Punnett square
A diagram used to predict outcome of a particular genetic cross.
Recessive
Less dominant gene. Only shows if two alleles meet in a Punnett square.
Selective breeding
When humans develop traits in animals’ offspring by letting certain animals reproduce.
Sexual reproduction
Reproduction that involves gametes and leads to variation in offspring.
Variation
Differences between individuals of the same species.