Genetic and Phenotypic Variation I Flashcards
What is the ultimate source for all novel genetic variation?
Mutation
Define mutation.
A novel genetic difference between a parent and its offspring
What is a point mutation?
Base pair substitutions in DNA sequences
Describe the mechanism of point mutations.
Chance errors during DNA synthesis or during repair of damaged DNA.
What is the significance of point mutations?
Create new alleles
What is a chromosome inversion?
Flipping of a chromosome segment so order of genes along the chromosome
What is the mechanism of chromosome inversions?
Breaks in DNA caused by radiation or other insults
What is the significance of chromosome inversions?
Alleles inside the inversion are likely to be transmitted together, as a unit
What is gene duplication?
Duplication of a short stretch of DNA, creating an extra copy of the sequence.
What is the mechanism of gene duplication?
Unequal crossing over during meiosis or retrotransposition.
What is the significance of gene duplication?
Redundant new genes may acquire new functions by mutation.
What is genome duplication?
Addition of a complete set of chromosomes.
What is the mechanism of genome duplication?
Errors in meiosis or, in plants, mitosis.
What is the significance of genome duplication?
May create new species
Define homozygous
Identical alleles at the same locus on homologous chromosomes
Define heterozygous.
Different alleles at the same locus on homologous chromosomes
Describe dominance.
One allele masks the expression of the other allele