Intro to Genetics Flashcards
What are Alleles or Allelomorphs?
A pair of contrasting characters or related factors controlling a single trait. Example:
Height – Tall (T) and Dwarf (t)
Color – Red (R) and White (r)
What is a Factor or Determiner?
A functional unit of heredity present in gametes (genes) that determines the character of an organism.
What are Gametes?
Haploid sex cells formed by the segregation of organisms.
What are Parents in genetics?
A diploid individual formed by the fusion of two gametes. Example: TT, Tt, tt.
What is a Phenotype?
The external appearance of an individual. Example: Tall, Dwarf, Red, White.
What is a Genotype?
The genetic or internal constitution of an organism. Example:
TT – Pure tall
Tt – Hybrid tall
tt – Pure white
An organism with identical (similar) determiners or genes (e.g., TT, rr).
Homozygous
An organism with dissimilar determiners or genes (e.g., Tt, Rr).
Heterozygous
A heterozygous individual formed by parents with contrasting characters (e.g., Tt - Hybrid Tall, Rr - Hybrid Red).
Hybrid
The first generation of hybrid individuals obtained by crossing parents with contrasting characters.
F-1 generation or First filial generation
The generation resulting from selfing or self-crossing of F-1 hybrids.
F-2 generation or Second filial generation
Crossing between closely related individuals.
Inbreeding
A homozygous individual formed by parents with identical characters and breeds true to the species for at least three consecutive generations (e.g., TT - Pure Tall, RR - Pure Red, tt - Pure Dwarf, rr - Pure White).
Pure breed
The character or allele that is expressed in the F-1 generation (e.g., TT, RR, Tt, Rr).
Dominant
The character or allele that is suppressed in the F-1 generation (e.g., tt, rr).
Recessive
What is genetics?
The study of inherited traits and their variation. It is a branch of biology that deals with heredity, focusing on hereditary transmission and variations in inherited characteristics among organisms.
It includes physical characteristics like freckles and red hair, as well as aspects of health, behavior, and talents. While some traits are purely genetic, others result from genetic and environmental influences.
inherited traits
The units of heredity responsible for transmitting inherited traits. They contain biochemical instructions that tell cells how to manufacture certain proteins.
Genes
Observable characteristics that are passed from parents to offspring through genetic information.
inherited traits
The molecule that carries genetic instructions for growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
A section of DNA that codes for a specific protein, influencing an organism’s trait or function.
Gene
The process by which genetic information is passed from one generation to the next.
Heredity
Coded instructions for making everything the body needs, especially proteins.
Genes
Human beings have about 25,000 of these, each carrying information needed for bodily functions.
Genes
They hold the information to maintain cells and pass genetic traits to offspring.
Genes
What is the long molecule that transmits genetic information?
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
What are the four types of nucleotide bases in DNA?
Adenine (A)
Thymine (T)
Cytosine (C)
Guanine (G)
What are the base-pairing rules in DNA?
Adenine (A) always pairs with Thymine (T)
Cytosine (C) always pairs with Guanine (G)
What does the sequence of DNA bases form?
The genetic code, which determines traits and functions in living organisms.
What is a genome?
A genome is the complete set of DNA (genetic material) in an organism, including all of its genes and regulatory sequences.
What does a genome contain?
A genome contains all the instructions needed for growth, development, and functioning.
How many DNA base pairs are in the human genome?
The human genome has about 3 billion DNA base pairs.
Where is the genome found in a cell?
The genome is found in every cell that has a nucleus.
Why do scientists study genomes?
Scientists study genomes to understand genetic diseases, evolution, and traits.
The study of ethical issues in biology, medicine, and life sciences. It examines moral questions related to medical research, healthcare, genetics, and biotechnology.
Bioethics
Respecting individuals’ rights to make decisions about their bodies and health.
Autonomy
Acting in the best interest of patients and research participants.
Beneficence
Avoiding harm to individuals or society.
Non-maleficence
This is a process in DNA replication wherein each new DNA molecules contain
one original strand and one new
strand.
Semi-conservative process:
It plays a crucial role in adding new
nucleotides.
Enzyme DNA
The region where two sister
chromatids are held together and where
spindle fibers attach during cell division.
Centromere:
Protective caps at the
chromosome ends that prevent DNA
degradation.
Telomeres
Each half of a duplicated
chromosome, which separates during cell
division.
Chromatid
Produces two identical daughter
cells, maintaining the chromosome number.
Mitosis
Produces gametes (sperm/egg)
with half the chromosome number
(haploid).
Meiosis
can lead to
genetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome,
caused by an extra copy of chromosome
21).
Errors in chromosome division
What is the basic unit of heredity, made up of DNA, and provides instructions for making proteins?
Genes
What is the complete set of genetic information in an organism that stores, propagates, and expresses genetic information, is a major structural component of the cell, and is contained in chromosomes?
Genomes
What is the study of the genome that helps researchers understand how genes and the environment interact, and aids in improving health and preventing disease?
Genomics
