Unit 6 vocab

• Genetics


  The study of how genes and traits are passed down from one generation to the next
• Fertilization


  The union of 2 gametes (sperm & egg) to form a diploid zygote and initiate prenatal development
• Trait


  The specific characteristic of an individual, determined by genes, environmental factors, or a combination of both
• Hybrids


  The offspring resulting from crossing the qualities of 3 organisms of different breeds, varieties, species, or genera through sexual reproduction
• Genes


  The basic unit of hereditary passed from parent to child
• Alleles


  One or more versions of a genetic sequence at a particular region on a chromosome
• If 2 alleles for a particular trait differ, the dominant allele determines the organism's appearance
• Segregation


  New pairs of genes are separated into reproductive cells
• Gametes


  Reproductive cells of an animal or plant
• Probability


  The measure of how likely a certain genetic outcome will happen
• Homozygous


  Having 2 identical versions of a gene, both dominant or both recessive
• Heterozygous


  Having different versions (alleles) of a gene
• Phenotype


  The observable characteristics in an individual resulting from the expression of their genotype
• Genotype


  The genetic makeup of an organism
• Punnett Square


  A diagram used to predict the genotypes of a particular breeding experiment
• Independent Assortment


  How different genes independently separate from each other when reproductive cells develop
• Incomplete Dominance


  A form of gene interaction where both alleles of a gene at a locus are expressed equally and neither is dominant or recessive
• Codominance


  An inheritance pattern where 2 alleles are expressed in the phenotype
• Multiple Alleles


  An allele of a genetic locus having more than 2 allelic forms within a population
• Polygenic Traits


  Characteristics, such as height or skin color, that are influenced by 2 or more genes
• Genome


  The complete set of genes in an organism
• Karyotype


  An individual's complete set of chromosomes
• Sex Chromosomes


  Chromosomes involved in sex determination
• Autosomes


  Any chromosome that isn't a sex chromosome
• Sex-linked Genes


  Traits influenced by genes carried on the sex chromosomes
• Pedigree


  A chart that shows relationships between family members and indicates which individuals have certain genetic differences
• Nondisjunction


  The failure of chromosomes to separate properly during cell division, producing daughter cells with abnormal numbers of chromosomes
• Restriction Enzyme


  A protein isolated from bacteria that cleaves DNA sequences at sequence-specific sites
• Gel Electrophoresis


  A laboratory method used to separate mixtures of DNA, RNA, or proteins based on their molecular size and charge