DNA and Inheritance Flashcards
Allele
A different form of the same gene
Dominant
A gene that controls a characteristic if it is present. It is given a capital letter.
F1 Generation
The first generation after a genetic cross.
F2 Generation
The second generation after a genetic cross.
Genotype
The combination of genes an individual has for a particular charactersistic.
Heterozygote
An individual who is heterozygous for that characteristic.
Heterozygous
Both chromosomes in a pair containing different alleles.
Homozygote
An individual who is homozygous for that characteristic.
Homozygous
Both chromosomes in the pair containing the same alleles.
Phenotype
How a gene expresses itself in an individual.
Recessive
A gene that controls a characteristic if the dominant gene is not present. It is given a lower case letter.
Selfing
The act of self-fertilisation in plants.
Where is DNA found?
In the nucleus
What does the DNA do?
The DNA forms a chemical ‘code’ which acts as instructions for the cell to make proteins.
What are all enzymes?
Proteins
What does the order of amino acids determine?
The structure and function of the protein formed
What is DNA made up of?
2 long chains of alternating sugar and phosphate molecules connected by pairs of bases.
What shape does DNA form?
A double helix.
Which bases pair with each other?
Adenine and Thymine
Cytosine and Guanine
What does the sequence of bases form?
The instructions in a form of code for the manufacture of proteins. It determines which amino acids are used and in what order.
What is a sequence of 3 bases in a gene?
A triplet
What does a triplet do?
Code for an amino acid which determines the structure and function of the protein formed.
How does genetic profiling work?
- Sample of cells collected
- DNA extracted from cells
- DNA sample cut into fragments using enzymes
- Fragments separated into bands creating a genetic profile
What can genetic profiling be used for?
Crime scenes
Comparing the DNA of species
Detecting genes in diseases