Inheritance Flashcards
Nucleus
Where the genetic material, chromosomes, and genes are in plant and animal cells.
DNA
The molecule that provides the instructions for assembling all the proteins (and by extension, all the structures) of a cell.
Chromosomes
Long threads of DNA. Each chromosome contains multiple genes, sometimes spaced out by non-coding DNA in between. A cell may have multiple chromosomes. Chromosomes usually come in pairs - one which you inherit from your father, and one which you inherit from your mother. These are known as homologous chromosomes, and they are similar in content - they control the same characteristics.
Genes
Regions of DNA that code for a particular functional RNA or protein product. They are the fundamental unit of inheritance.
Alleles
Different variants of genes coding for slightly different RNA or protein products
Genotype
This describes which 2 alleles an individual has for a particular gene.
Phenotype
This is the physical manifestation of the genotype.
Dominant alleles
Present phenotypically in hetero and homozygous genotypes
Recessive alleles
Present phenotypically only in homozygous genotypes
Individuals with two identical alleles for the same trait are [homo/hetero]zygous for that trait?
HOMOzygous
Individuals with two different alleles for the same trait are [homo/hetero]zygous for that trait.
HETEROzygous
Cystic Fibrosis
Caused by a recessive allele
Production of lots of sweat, digestive fluids and thick, sticky mucus. The mucus may clog up airways and result in death from breathing difficulties
Polydactyly
Caused by a dominant allele
Results in extra fingers or toes
Huntington’s disease
Caused by a dominant allele
Results in a severe neurodegenerative disease that affects muscle coordination and leads to mental decline and behavioural symptoms
Haemophilia
Caused by an X-linked allele
