Topic 9: Inheritance, punnet squares, Pedigrees

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What is muscular dystrophy?

Back

A group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass due to abnormal genes (mutations) that interfere with protein production needed for healthy muscle.

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What is genetics?

Back

The study of biological inheritance patterns and variations in organisms.

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What is a gene?

Back

A piece of DNA that stores instructions to make a protein.

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What is an allele?

Back

Any of the different forms of a gene.

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What are sex-linked genes?

Back

Genes located on sex chromosomes, usually the X chromosome.

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What is a Punnett square?

Back

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

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What is a genotype?

Back

The genetic makeup of an organism, represented by the alleles it possesses.

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What is a phenotype?

Back

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, determined by its genotype.

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What is a pedigree?

Back

A diagram that shows the occurrence and appearance of phenotypes of a particular gene or organism and its ancestors.

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What is a dominant allele?

Back

An allele that expresses its phenotype even in the presence of a recessive allele.