Genetics dictionary Flashcards
What is a histone?
a protein, highly conserved, forming beads and DNA is wrapped around these proteins, and part of chromatin
What is a phenotype?
the discernible properties of an individual
Define autosomal?
type of chromosome (22 of them in humans) and not sex chromosomes.
What is chromatin?
structure made up of DNA and histones
What is a gene?
unit of hereditary information that occupies a fixed position on a chromosome
What is a locus?
position on a chromsome
What is heredity?
process by which genetic information is passed from parents to offspring, leading to similar traits
What is a mitochondria?
refers to organelle that carries out oxidative phosphorylation, and creates ATP, originating from a symbiotic event that was mutually beneficial
What is a telomere?
structure at the end of a linear chromosome that protects it from degradation
What is a diploid?
cell/organism containing 2 different alleles of a given gene
What is a centromere?
a specialised region acts as a site for the kinetochore proteins, not always in the middle of chromosome, but may be at the centre
What is an allele?
a version of a gene
What are chromosomes?
‘colour-bodies’ - structures made of a single DNA molecule wrapped in chromatin
What is karyotype?
chromosome compliment of an individual, especially when displayed in a neat image
What is an intron?
Condensed, tightly-packed chromatin structure that doesn’t allow expression of genes in that region
