heredity Flashcards
gene
one set of instructions for an inherited trait
allele
one of the alternative forms of a gene that governs a characteristic such as hair color.
phenotype
an organisms appearance or other detectable characteristic.
Genotype
the entire genetic makeup of an orginism
probability
the likelihood that a possible future event will occur in any given instance
sex chromosomes
A sex chromosome is a type of chromosome involved in sex determination. Humans and most other mammals have two sex chromosomes, X and Y, that in combination determine the sex of an individual.
DNA
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms
pedigree
In medicine, a pedigree may also show the pattern of certain genes or diseases within a family.
meiosis
Meiosis is a type of cell division in sexually reproducing organisms that reduces the number of chromosomes in gametes (the sex cells, or egg and sperm).
heredity
Heredity refers to specific mechanisms by which characteristics or traits are passed from one generation to the next via genes.
Dominant Trait
Refers to a trait that appears more frequently than another trait, resulting from interactions between gene alleles.
Recessive Trait
Refers to a trait that is expressed only when Genotype is Homozygous; a trait that tends to be masked by other inherited traits, yet persists in a population among Heterozygous Genotypes.
RNA
Ribonucleic acid (abbreviated RNA) is a nucleic acid present in all living cells that has structural similarities to DNA.
Mutations
A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism. Mutations can result from errors in DNA replication during cell division, exposure to mutagens or a viral infection.
Nucleotide
A nucleotide is the basic building block of nucleic acids (RNA and DNA).
