Inheritance Flashcards
define gene
Section of DNA that codes for a characteristic
define allele
The alternative forms of a gene that occur at a given point in a chromosome
define dominant
it is expressed in a person who has only one copy of that gene
define recessive
a trait that is expressed only when the genotype is homozygous
define homozygous
Possessing the same alleles for a given characteristic
define heterozygous
Possessing different alleles for a given characteristic
define phenotype
The appearance of an individual determined by their genetic constitution
define genotype
The genetic constitution of an individual
what is Huntington’s disease?
- single gene disorder
- caused by a dominant allele
- autosomal
what is PKU?
- Phenylketonuria
- recessive
- single gene
- autosomal
how can you tell a trait is dominant?
- every person who shows a dominant characteristic need only have one allele for that characteristic, and every person processing such an allele must show the characteristic
- a person with a dominant characteristic must have at least one parent with the characteristic = cannot skip a generation
- two people with dominant characteristics can have a child without that characteristic
- two people who don’t possess a dominant characteristic cannot have a child with characteristic
how can you tell a trait is recessive?
- every person who shows a recessive trait must have two alleles for that characteristic
- a person with a recessive trait doesn’t have to have a parent with trait = cant skip a generation
- two people without a recessive characteristic can have a child with the trait but not without
what is haemophilia?
- sex linked
- due to a recessive allele on the X chromosome