Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Anthropology 1001 Biological Anthropology
Terms
26
Anthropology
Undergraduate 1
02/07/2010

Additional Anthropology Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
Gene
Definition
The fundamental unit of heredity. Consists of a sequence of of DNA bases that carries the information for synthesizing a protein and occupies a specific chromosomal locus.
Term
DNA
Definition
A double-stranded molecule that is the carrier of genetic information. Each strand is composed of a linear sequence of nucleotides; the two strands are held together by hydrogen bonds that form between complementary bonds.
Term
Protein
Definition
Complex molecules formed from chains of amino acids, which occurs at ribosomes in the cytoplasm and is based on information carried by mRNA
Term
Mendel's law of segregation
Definition
The two alleles of a gene found on each of a pair of chromosomes segregate independently of one another into sex cells.
Term
Mitosis
Definition
Somatic cell division in which a single cell divides to produce two identical daughter calls.
Term
Meiosis
Definition
Cell division that occurs in the testes and ovaries that leads to the formation of sperm and ova.
Term
Amino Acid
Definition
Molecules that form the basic building blocks of protein.
Term
Mutation
Definition
An alteration in the DNA, which may or may not alter the function of a cell. If it occurs in a gamete, it may be passed from one generation to the next.
Term
Chromosome
Definition
Discrete structures composed of condensed DNA and supporting proteins.
Term
Zygote
Definition
A fertilized egg.
Term
Genetic drift
Definition
Random changes in gene frequencies in a population.
Term
Gamete
Definition
The sex cells: sperm in males and eggs (or ova) in females.
Term
Gene flow
Definition
Movement of genes between populations.
Term
Allele
Definition
One variant of a gene.
Term
Homozygous
Definition
Having the same allele at the loci for a gene on both members of of a pair of homologous chromosomes.
Term
Heterozygous
Definition
Having 2 different alleles at the loci for a gene on a pair of homologous chromosomes.
Term
Pleiotropy
Definition
The phenomenon of a single gene having multiple phenotypic effects.
Term
Dominant allele
Definition
In a diploid organism, an allele that is expressed when present on only one of a pair of homologous chromosomes.
Term
Polygenetic traits
Definition
Phenotypic traits that result from the combined action of more than one gene; most complex traits are polygenetic.
Term
Recessive allele
Definition
In a diploid organism, refers to an allele that must be present in two copies (homozygous) in order to be expressed.
Term
Phenotype
Definition
An observable or measurable feature of an organism. Phenotypes can be anatomical, biochemical, or behavioral.
Term
Co-dominant
Definition
In a diploid organism, two different alleles of a gene that are both expressed in a heterozygous individual.
Term
Natural selection
Definition
Differential reproductive success over multiple generations.
Term
Genotype
Definition
The genetic makeup of an individual. Genotype can refer to the entire genetic complement or more narrowly to the alleles present at a specific locus on two homologous chromosomes.
Term
Adaptation
Definition
A trait that increases the reproductive success of an organism, produced by natural selection in the context of a particular environment.
Term
Recombination
Definition
The rearrangement of genes on homologous chromosomes that occurs during crossing over in meiosis. The source of variation arising out of sexual reproduction; important for increasing rates of natural selection.
Supporting users have an ad free experience!