Genetics Vocabulary Flashcards
Allele
- One of two or more versions of a gene
- An individual inherits two alleles for each gene, one from each parent
Autosome
- Any of the numbered chromosomes (doesn’t include sex chromosomes)
- Humans have 22 pairs of autosomes
Carrier
- An individual who carries and is capable of passing on a genetic mutation associated with a disease and may or may not display disease symptoms
- Carriers are usually associated w/ carrying a recessive trait
Cytogenetics
- The branch of genetics that studies the structure of DNA within the cell nucleus
- Studies the number and morphology of chromosomes
- Uses chromosome banding techniques or hybridization fluorescently labeled probes
DNA
- Deoxyribonucleic Acid
- The molecule that carries genetic instructions in all living things
DNA Sequencing
A laboratory technique used to determine the exact sequence of bases (A, C, G, and T) in a DNA molecule
Deletion
-A type of mutation involving the loss of genetic material
Dominant
A particular variant of a gene that expresses itself more strongly all by itself than any other version of the gene which the person is carrying (recessive)
First Degree Relative
- A family member who shares about 50 percent of their genes with a particular individual in a family
- Parents, children, & siblings
Gene
- The basic physical unit of inheritance
- Arranged to form chromosomes
Genotype
- An individual’s collection of genes
- The two alleles inherited for a particular gene
Heterozygote
-An individual who inherited different forms of a particular gene from each parent (different alleles)
Homozygote
-An individual inherited the same alleles for a particular gene from both parents
Karyotype
- An individual’s collection of chromosomes
- Also A laboratory technique that produces an image of an individual’s chromosomes
Loci (Locus)
- The specific physical location of a gene or other DNA sequence on a chromosome
- Like a genetic street address