Genetics Flashcards
Species
A group of similar organisms that are capable of naturally interbreeding with each other to produce fertile offspring
Variation
Within a species in a group of successfully interbreeding organisms the individual members show different characteristics
Heredity
The passing on of features from parents to offspring by means of genes
Gene
A section of DNA that codes for a particular protein
DNA profiling
The examination of a sample of DNA for a pattern on a band to compare
Genetic screening
Testing DNA for the presence of absence of a particular gene or an altered gene
Translation
The conversion of a sequence of genetic bases on messenger RNA into a sequence of amino acids
Transcription
The copying of a sequence of genetic bases from DNA onto messenger RNA
Purines
Double ring molecules( adenine and guanine)
Pyramidines
Single ring molecules( thymine and cytosine)
Non coding DNA
DNA that doesn’t carry information to produce a protein
Genetic engineering
The manipulation and alteration of genes or genotypes to give valuable traits to the organism
Gamete
A haploid cell capable of fusion
Fertilisation
The fusion of two haploid gametes to form a diploid zygote
Alleles
Alternative forms of the same gene
Dominant
The gene that is expressed in the phenotype of the heterozygous condition
Recessive
The gene that is masked in the phenotype by the dominant allele
Genotype
The genetic makeup of an organism
Phenotype
The physical appearance of an organism
Homozygous
When two identical alleles control the same trait
Heterozygous
When two different alleles of a gene control the same trait
Progeny
The offspring that are produced
Incomplete dominance
When neither allele is dominant or recessive in any respect to the other. Both alleles are equally expressed in the heterozygous genotype to produce an intermediate phenotype
Sex chromosomes
A pair of chromosomes that determine the sex of the individual
