Genetics Flashcard Review

Front

What is a Punnett square?

Back

A Punnett square is a diagram used to predict the outcome of a genetic cross by showing the possible combinations of alleles from the parents.

Front

What does the term 'genotype' refer to?

Back

Genotype refers to an organism's genetic makeup, specifically the alleles it possesses for a particular trait.

Front

What does the term 'phenotype' refer to?

Back

Phenotype refers to the physical appearance or observable characteristics of an organism.

Front

What is the difference between dominant and recessive alleles?

Back

Dominant alleles are expressed in the phenotype even if only one copy is present, while recessive alleles are only expressed if two copies are present.

Front

What does it mean for a trait to be inherited?

Back

Inheritance is the process by which traits are passed from parents to offspring through genes.

Front

What is an allele?

Back

An allele is a variant form of a gene that can produce different traits.

Front

What does it mean if a trait is 'homozygous'?

Back

Homozygous means that an organism has two identical alleles for a particular gene (e.g., BB or bb).

Front

What does it mean if a trait is 'heterozygous'?

Back

Heterozygous means that an organism has two different alleles for a particular gene (e.g., Bb).

Front

What is the significance of the dominant trait in genetics?

Back

The dominant trait is the one that is expressed in the phenotype when at least one dominant allele is present.

Front

What is a recessive trait?

Back

A recessive trait is one that is only expressed in the phenotype if two recessive alleles are present.