Mendellian
Alleles
Different versions of a gene that can occupy the same position (locus) on a chromosome. Alleles can produce variations in traits among individuals.
Homozygous
An organism that has two identical alleles for a particular gene.
Incomplete Dominance
A pattern of inheritance where the heterozygous phenotype is intermediate between the two homozygous phenotypes.
Biotechnology
The application of biological knowledge and techniques to develop products and processes for practical use, often in fields such as agriculture, medicine, and industry.
Gel Electrophoresis
A laboratory technique used to separate macromolecules, such as DNA, based on their size and charge by applying an electric field to a gel matrix.
Law of Dominance
States that in a heterozygote, one allele will be dominant and the other recessive, and the dominant allele will be expressed in the phenotype.
Heterozygous
An organism that has two different alleles for a particular gene.
Codominance
A pattern of inheritance where both alleles contribute to the phenotype in a heterozygote, resulting in the expression of both traits simultaneously.
Genetic Engineering
The manipulation of an organism's genome using biotechnology techniques to alter its genetic makeup and introduce desired traits.
Personal Genome Sequencing
The process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an individual's genome, often for personalized medical or genealogical purposes.
Law of Segregation
States that during gamete formation, the alleles for each gene segregate from each other so that each gamete carries only one allele for each gene.
Dominant
An allele that is expressed in the phenotype when present in either the homozygous or heterozygous condition.
Polygenic Inheritance
The inheritance of traits that are controlled by the cumulative effects of multiple genes, often resulting in a continuum of phenotypic variation.
Recombinant DNA
DNA that has been artificially combined from multiple sources, often used in genetic engineering to introduce new traits into organisms.
Gene Cloning
The process of making multiple identical copies of a gene or DNA sequence using recombinant DNA technology.
Law of Independent Assortment
States that alleles of different genes assort independently of each other during gamete formation, providing genetic variation.
Recessive
An allele that is expressed in the phenotype only when present in the homozygous condition.
Linked Genes
Genes that are located on the same chromosome and tend to be inherited together because they are physically close to each other.
Human Genome Project
A collaborative scientific endeavor aimed at mapping and sequencing all the genes of the human genome.
Gene Therapy
The use of genetic engineering techniques to treat or prevent diseases by introducing, removing, or modifying specific genes within an individual's cells
Pedigree
Cross a purple heterozygous pea plant with a white pea plant. P = purple p = white
Genotype
The genetic makeup of an organism, representing the combination of alleles present for a particular gene or set of genes.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
A laboratory technique used to amplify a specific segment of DNA through multiple cycles of denaturation, annealing, and extension using DNA polymerase.
CRISPR
A revolutionary gene-editing technology that allows precise modification of DNA sequences within living organisms.