Inheritance Flashcards
Inherited
traits or characteristics passed down from parents to offspring through genes encoded in DNA
Genetic trait
a specific characteristic or feature of an organism that is determined by genes (DNA) and/or influenced by environmental factors, and can be passed down from parents to offspring
Simple inheritance
the transmission of traits controlled by a single gene with two alleles, where one allele may be dominant to the other
Chromosome
a thread-like structure composed of DNA and proteins, found within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, that carries genetic information in the form of genes
DNA
a molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of an organism, passed down from parents to offspring during reproduction
Mendel
certain patterns of how traits are passed from parents to offspring
Ovum (egg)
Sperm
the male reproductive cells (gametes) that carry half of the genetic material (DNA) needed to create a new individual, and are produced in the testicles
Fertilization
the process where two gametes (sperm and egg) fuse to form a zygote, initiating the development of a new organism
X Chromosome
Is one of the two sex chromosomes in humans
Y Chromosome
one of the two sex chromosomes in humans
Variation
the differences in traits or characteristics observed among individuals within a population or species
Gene
the basic physical and functional unit of heredity, a segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein or RNA molecule, ultimately influencing traits and characteristics
Allele
one of two or more versions of a gene that can occupy a specific location (locus) on a chromosome
Homozygous
having two identical alleles (versions) of a gene inherited from each parent
Heterozygous
an individual possesses two different versions (alleles) of a particular gene, one inherited from each parent
Dominant
one that masks or overshadows the expression of another allele (recessive) for the same trait
Recessive
a characteristic that is only expressed when an individual inherits two copies of the corresponding allele, one from each parent
Genotype
an organism’s genetic makeup, specifically the combination of alleles (different versions of a gene) it possesses for a particular trait
Phenotype
the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, resulting from the interaction of its genotype (genetic makeup) and the environment
Punnett Square
a diagram used to predict the possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring in a genetic cross, visualizing allele combinations and inheritance patterns
Co-dominant
an inheritance pattern where both alleles of a gene are expressed equally in a heterozygote, meaning both traits are visible in the organism’s phenotype, rather than one trait masking the other
Incomplete dominance
a form of inheritance where neither allele for a trait is completely dominant, resulting in a blended or intermediate phenotype in heterozygous individuals
