Genetics Flashcards
Nucleic Acids
The biomolecule that forms DNA and RNA. The specific sequence of nucleic acids (the monomer) provides the genetic information of the organism.
Structural Adaptation
an inherited change in physical features that helps organisms survive
DNA
type of nucleic acid and the genetic code for all living organisms. This double helix shaped molecule is the genetic map that gives the organisms their characteristics.
Phenotype
the physical appearance of an organism reflecting the specific genotype
Evolution
The gradual change in populations over time
RNA
A type of nucleic acid that performs many roles within the cell
Allele
a form of a gene; there may be one or more forms
Behavioral Adaptation
an inherited change in behavior that helps organisms survive or avoid harm
Homozygous
a genotype that contains two identical alleles
Natural Selection
the process by which, over time, the population as a whole contains more individuals who are better suited to that environment.
Heterozygous
a genotype that contains two different alleles
Dominant (Traits)
allele whose trait is shown if the organism has one or two copies
Law of Independent Assortment
The process by which each pair of chromosomes separates randomly, creating diverse gametes.
Adaptation
A feature that has become common in a population because it provides some improved function which makes the organism better able to survive and reproduce. It can be structural or behavioral.
Genetic Variation
differences in genotype within a species that contribute to the gene pool
Recessive
the allele whose characteristic is masked by the dominant trait; organism must have two copies of this trait for it to show
Genotype
the genetic makeup of an organism for a trait
Charles Darwin
an English naturalist who developed the idea of natural selection and the theory of evolution; these ideas were published in the book On the Origin of Species
Gene
a segment of a chromosome which codes for a specific trait
Population
a group of the same organisms in a specific habitat
