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AP Biology: Genetics & Heredity
Master the essentials of AP Biology Genetics & Heredity with this focused flashcard deck. Covering everything from Mendelian principles to complex inheritance patterns and genetic disorders, these cards target the most frequently tested concepts. Prepare to ace your exams by solidifying your understanding of how traits are passed down and expressed.
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What is Mendel's law of segregation?
The two alleles for a gene separate during gamete formation, so each gamete gets one.
What is Mendel's law of independent assortment?
Alleles of different genes (on different chromosomes) sort into gametes independently.
What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?
Genotype is the alleles an organism has; phenotype is its observable traits.
What is an allele?
One of the alternative versions of a gene.
What does it mean for an allele to be recessive?
It shows in the phenotype only when an individual has two copies (homozygous).
What is the difference between homozygous and heterozygous?
Homozygous means two identical alleles (AA or aa); heterozygous means two different ones (Aa).
What is a test cross used for?
Finding the genotype of an individual with the dominant phenotype, by crossing it with a homozygous recessive.
In a test cross, what does any recessive offspring reveal?
That the dominant-phenotype parent is heterozygous.
What is incomplete dominance?
The heterozygote shows an intermediate phenotype, such as pink flowers from red and white parents.
What is codominance?
Both alleles are fully expressed in the heterozygote, as in AB blood type.
What is polygenic inheritance?
Many genes contribute to one trait, giving continuous variation, as in human height.
Why are X-linked recessive disorders more common in males?
Males have one X chromosome, so a single recessive allele is expressed.
What do linked genes do?
They sit close together on the same chromosome and tend to be inherited together.
What does a higher recombination frequency between two genes indicate?
The genes are farther apart on the chromosome.
What is nondisjunction?
Failure of chromosomes or chromatids to separate, producing aneuploid cells such as in trisomy 21.
From whom is mitochondrial DNA inherited?
The mother, to all of her children, because mitochondria come from the egg.
What are the five conditions for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?
No mutation, random mating, no natural selection, a very large population and no gene flow.