Genetics. Flashcards
What are alleles?
Alleles are different forms of the same genes. These cause variation and inheritance. (E.g. There is one form for blue eyes and one for green)
What do animal and plant cells contain?
Each cell contains two copies of the same chromosome. One from each parent. So for each characteristic, we have 2 copies.
What does it mean of your are homozygous?
This means that your alleles in a pair of chromosomes are identical. (E.g. They may both produce blue eyes)
What happens when you are heterozygous?
The alleles in the pair of chromosomes compete with each other. One is stronger than the other and masks the weaker one.
What is a dominant allele?
A dominant allele is the stronger allele in the chromosome pair. It masks the weaker allele.
What is the name given to the weaker allele?
A recessive allele.
What are punnet squares?
Punnet squares are used to predict the likelihood of inheriting a genetic.
What is an inherited disorder?
An inherited disorder is a disorder in which you inherit certain alleles from your parents. Each disorder needs different alleles to have the disorder.
What causes inherited disorders?
Depending on the disorder, you either need to be heterozygous or homozygous.
What are carriers?
A carrier is a person or another organism that has inherited a genetic mutation or trait, but does not display any symptoms of the gene. However, a carrier is able to pass the gene on to their offspring who may express the gene.
