Heredity (Chapter 5)

Question 1

Heredity

Answer 1

The passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another.

Question 2

Dominant Trait

Answer 2

A trait that appears more frequently than another trait, resulting from interactions between gene alleles.

Question 3

Recessive Trait

Answer 3

The weak, unexpressed trait of a divided pair of alleles (dominant-recessive) that has no effect in the phenotype of heterozygous individuals.

Question 4

Genes

Answer 4

The basic unit of heredity passed from parent to child.

Question 5

Alleles

Answer 5

The alternative form or versions of a gene.

Question 6

Phenotype

Answer 6

The set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.

Question 7

Genotype

Answer 7

The genetic constitution of an individual organism.

Question 8

Probability

Answer 8

A probability is a number that reflects the chance or likelihood that a particular event will occur. Probabilities can be expressed as proportions that range from 0 to 1, and they can also be expressed as percentages ranging from 0% to 100%

Question 9

Meiosis

Answer 9

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). In humans, body (or somatic) cells are diploid, containing two sets of chromosomes (one from each parent).

Question 10

Sex Chromosomes

Answer 10

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. Females have two X chromosomes in their cells, while males have one X and one Y.

Question 11

Pedigree

Answer 11

A diagram that shows relationships among family members. In medicine, a pedigree may also show the pattern of certain genes or diseases within a family.

Question 12

DNA

Answer 12

the molecule that carries genetic information for the development and functioning of an organism.

Question 13

Nucleotide

Answer 13

a compound consisting of a nucleoside linked to a phosphate group. Nucleotides form the basic structural unit of nucleic acids such as DNA.

Question 14

Mutations

Answer 14

the action or process of mutating.

Question 15

RNA

Answer 15

a nucleic acid present in all living cells that has structural similarities to DNA.