Outline for Chapter 7

Define the following terms

The Inheritance of Traits (Section 7.1, pp 148-153)
Figures to review: 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6

Fertilization
When a single sperm cell and single egg cell fuse
Results in a zygote

Allele
Different versions of the same gene
Produced by mutations

Segregation
Separation of pairs of alleles during gamete production
Results in a 50% probability that a given gamete contains one allele rather than the
other

Random Fertilization
When gametes combine without knowing what alleles they carry
The odds of receiving a particular combination is 1 in 64 trillion

Mendelian Genetics: When role of genes is clear (Section 7.2, pp 153-159)
Figures to review: 7.13, 7.14, Table 7.1

Genotype
The genetic composition of an individual
A description of the alleles for a particular gene

Phenotype
The physical traits of an individual

Homozygous
An individual who carries two copies of the same allele

Heterozygous
An individual who carries two different alleles for a gene

Dominant
Applies to an allele with an effect that is visible in a heterozygote
Effects are seen even when a recessive allele is present

Recessive


Effects can only be seen if a copy of a dominant allele is not also present
o Example: Pea plants, the allele that codes for wrinkled seeds is recessive to the
allele for round seeds. Wrinkled seeds will only appear when seeds carry only the
wrinkled allele and no copies of the round allele

Carrier
Heterozygotes for a recessive disease
Unaffected
Can pass the trait to the next generation
o Sperm banks can test sperm for recessive disorders

Punnett square
Table that lists the different kinds of sperm or eggs parents can produce relative to the
gene or genes they want and can predict any possible outcomes

Quantitative Genetics: When Genes and Environment Interact (Section 7.3, pp 160-164)
Figures to review: 7.16, 7.18, 7.20, Table 7.2

Quantitative Traits
Has many possible values
o Examples: height, weight, eye color, musical ability, susceptibility to cancer,
intelligence

Continuous Variation
A range of slightly different values for a trait in a population
Can see a large range of phenotypes in a population
o Example: Very short people to very tall people

Heritability
The amount of variation for a trait in a population that can be explained by difference in
genes among individuals
To estimate, researchers use correlations between individuals with varying degrees of
genetic similarity

Polygenic Traits
Traits that are influence by many genes