exam 1 Flashcards
genetics
the study of genes
gene
basic unit of heredity that controls a trait
->transmitted (inherited)
->a specific region of a chromosome
genome
all the genetic information within an organism
a. cells = ds DNA
b. some viruses = ssDNA; ss, dsRNA
chromosomes
how he genome is packaged into discrete structures
a. prokaryotes = 1 circular molecule
b. eukaryotes = >1 linear molecule
traits
a. characteristics
b. traits are controlled by genes
c. traits are influenced by genes AND the environment
d. genotype vs phenotype
characteristics
observed or measured
manifestation of: life function
-outward appearance or behavior
-ability to develop, metabolize, grow, age
-disease
traits are controlled by genes
simple
complex
pleiotropic
single-gene traits
1 trait controlled by 1 gene = Mendel’s
complex traits
1 trait controlled by 2 or more genes: height, intelligence, disease susceptibility
pleiotropic genes
1 gene controls > 1 trait
e.g. sickle-cell hemoglobin
traits are influenced by genes AND the environment
-not enough to inherit a mutant gene
-environment/lifestyle tips the balance
genotype
genetic makeup of the organism relative to the trait
s
what the trait looks like
autosomes
