Science Test Bi, Genetics & Evolution Wk. 43 2017 (9e) Flashcards
alleles
Different version of gene, one allele is for example B (brown eyes).
dominant
When a gene is dominant, it only requires one in the gene pair to make sure the phenotype becomes that trait.
recessive
When a gene is recessive, it needs both alleles to be the same recessive for the phenotype to be the recessive gene.
heterozygous
One dominant, one recessive (alleles combination, eg: Bb)
homozygous
Used as either:
Homozygous Dominant
- The alleles pair are both dominant genes eg: BB
Homozygous Recessive
- The alleles pair are both recessive, eg: bb
phenotype
The physical characteristics of the gene, for example if you have the genes (BB), your eyes will be brown, which is your phenotype.
genotype
The genes you have, this is either Heterozygous, Homozygous Dominant or Homozygous Recessive.
nucleus
The core of the cell. The nucleus contains chromosones which contain the DNA.
chromosone
Squashed up DNA in an X-like shape that exists in the nucleus. We have 23 pairs of each chromosone. 2 copies of each except the sex chromosones.
DNA
The genetic code that decides what proteins to be made.
gene
Basic physical unit of heredity. A gene is a trait that decides how you will be. You have two pairs of each gene, one from each parent. Section of DNA that decides one trait.
base pairs
The strands of DNA are held together by base pairs, which are nitrogenous bases, represented by the letters A for adenine, T for thymine, C for cytosine, G for guanine. These hold together the strands by weak bonds, and are the basic code that make up DNA. A only pairs with T, G always pair with C.
protein
Long chain of amino acids. They are often enzymes, which create chemical reactions in the body. DNA decides how the protein should be made, and what proteins to be made. They are the building blocks of tissues.
Amino acid
Building blocks of protein.
Trait
Feature of an organism
Diploid cell
The cell has pairs of chromosomes. Most cells are diploid.
Haploid cell
The cell has only one of each chromosome. Therefore they have half the amount of chromosomes.
Gametes
The male orr female reproductive cell that contains half the genetic material of the organism. When two human gametes meet - that is a sperm cell and an egg cell, you get a zygote, a fertilized egg.
Mutation
A mutation occurs when a DNA gene is damaged or changed in such a way that the genetic material is altered, which results in changes in either phenotype or just genotype. This can often result in cancer.
Heridity
The passing on traits genetically to offspring fromone generation to another.
Genetics
The study of genes, genetic variety and heredity in living organisms.
Evolution
The gradual change in features of a species over time.
Natural selection
When better adapted organisms survive better and therefore they survive and are able to pass on traits to their offspring, which causes evolution.
How are inherited characteristics passed on through generations?
This happens firstly through a process called Meiosis. This is when a Diploid cell first doubles its chromosomes, and splits into two. Then the created cells also split into two, but without doubling the amount of chromosomes, resulting in four haploid cells, which are sperms. These sperms then meet with egg cells of a female, which are also haploid cells, and at random, one egg is fertilized by a sperm, and since each sperm only has half of the chromosomes. This results in an offspring with one half of the fathers genetic material and one half of the mothers genetic material. So the genotype is a mix, and then whatever allele is dominant, or if both are recessive decides the phenotype for each gene.