*Unit 5 Part 2: Mendel & Basics of Genetics Flashcards
Meiosis and Genetics
Genetics
The study of genes and heredity
Heredity
Passing traits from parents to offspring
Who was the father of genetics?
Gregor Mendel
Gregor Mendel
~Father of Genetics
~1822-1884
~Austrian monk
~Performed crosses (experimental breeding) with the garden peas at his monastery
~Made laws of heredity based on analysis of how traits are inherited
Trait
Any observable characteristic
Genes
DNA that holds information for a trait
Allele
One version of a trait
Diploid organisms (such as humans) have _____ of each gene.
2 copies
When one allele masks the effect of another, that allele is called _____ and the other _____.
dominant; recessive
Diploid
Containing 2 copies of each chromosome, making genes occur in pairs
Genotype
Gene combinations for a trait
Ex. RR, Rr, rr
Homozygous
Two of the same alleles
Ex. RR rr
Heterozygous
Two different alleles
Ex. Rr
Phenotype
The physical feature resulting from the genotype
Each alleles is written as a letter that usually comes from the _____ allele.
dominant