Inheritance Flashcards
Allele
A version of a gene - they cause differences in inherited characteristics
Chromosome
A long coiled molecule of DNA that carries genetic information in the form of genes
Diploid
A cell that contains two sets of chromosomes i.e. almost every body cell except gametes
Dominant
Describes an allele that is always expressed
Evolution
The gradual change in the inherited traits within a population over time
Gene
A section of DNA that codes for a specific sequence of amino acids which undergo polymerisation to form a protein
Genome
The complete genetic material of an organism
Genotype
An organisms genetic composition.
Haploid
Refers to a cell that contains one set of chromosomes
Heterozygous
When someone has two different alleles of a gene
Mitosis
A form of cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells
Mutation
A random change in DNA which may result in genetic variants
Natural Selection
The process by which the frequency of advantageous traits passed on in genes gradually increases in a population over time.
Recessive
Describes an allele that is only expressed in the absence of a dominant allele
Variation
The differences between individuals due to genes, the environment or a combination of both.
