Chapter 1 Flashcards
DNA
a double stranded helical nuclei acid polymer, held together by hydrogen bonds
RNA
acts as a messenger carrying instructions from DNA for controlling the synthesis of proteins, although in some viruses RNA rather than DNA carries the genetic information
Gene
an inherited factor (region of DNA) that helps determine a characteristic
Locus
specific place on a chromosome occupied by an allele
Allele
One of two or more alternative forms of a gene
Homozygous
an individual organism possessing two of the same alleles at a locus
Heterozygous
An individual organism possessing two different alleles at a locus
Dominant
The allele expressed in a heterozygote
Recessive
Allele not expressed in a heterozygote
Wild Type
the most commonly-observed phenotype or genotype
deisgnated as the norm or standard
Mutation
the process that produces an alteration in DNA that leads to a change in a gene product or the regulation of a gene
source of new alleles in a population
often deleterious to an organism
most are recessive
What is the difference between Transmission, Molecular, and Population Genetics?
Transmission (Classical): mechanism of transmission of genes from generation to generation; focuses on the organism
Molecular: molecular/chemical mechanisms underlying storage, replication, and expression of genetic material; focuses on the gene - structure, organization and function
Population: explores genetics of groups of individuals of same species and how gene pools can change over time (evolution); focuses on a population
Genotype vs Phenotype
Genotype: the specific alleles an individual possesses at a genetic locus
Phenotype: the individual’s observable appearance = how its genotype is expressed or visualized (trait)
