Genetics Terminologies with Descriptions
Basic Concepts
Gene: A segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein.
Allele: A version or variant of a gene (e.g., dominant or recessive).
Genome: The complete set of genes or genetic material in an organism.
Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism (e.g., TT, Tt, tt).
Phenotype: Observable traits or characteristics resulting from the genotype.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic
TheAcid):
molecule that carries genetic instructions.
RNA (Ribonucleic Acid):
Single-stranded nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis.
Chromosome: A thread-like structure of DNA and protein found in the nucleus.
Histone: Protein that helps in DNA packaging into chromosomes.
Genetic Inheritance
Dominant Trait: Expressed even with one allele (e.g., Aa).
Recessive Trait: Only expressed when both alleles are recessive (e.g., aa).
Homozygous: Having two identical alleles (e.g., AA or aa).
Heterozygous: Having two different alleles (e.g., Aa).
Punnett Square: A tool to predict genetic crosses and offspring genotypes.
Monohybrid Cross: Cross involving one trait.
Dihybrid Cross: Cross involving two traits.
Law of Segregation: Mendels principle: alleles separate during gamete formation.
Law of Independent Assortment:
Genes for different traits are inherited independently.
Molecular Genetics
Replication: Copying of DNA before cell division.
Transcription: Process of making RNA from DNA.
Translation: Process of assembling proteins using mRNA.
Codon: A triplet of RNA bases coding for an amino acid.
Mutation: A change in the DNA sequence.
Point Mutation: Mutation affecting a single nucleotide.
Frameshift Mutation: Insertion/deletion that shifts the reading frame.
Applied Genetics
Genetics Terminologies with Descriptions
Genetic Engineering: Altering an organisms DNA using biotechnology.
Gene Therapy: Treating disease by inserting correct genes into cells.
CRISPR: A gene-editing tool to cut and modify DNA.
GMO: Organism with altered genetic material.
Population & Evolutionary Genetics
Gene Pool: All the alleles in a population.
Genetic Drift: Random change in allele frequency over time.
Gene Flow: Movement of alleles between populations.
Natural Selection: Process where better-adapted organisms survive and reproduce.
Mutation Rate: Frequency at which mutations occur in a gene or organism.
Modern Tools and Technologies
PCR: Technique to amplify DNA.
Gel Electrophoresis: Technique to separate DNA fragments by size.
DNA Sequencing: Determining the exact order of nucleotides in DNA.
Microarray: Tool to detect gene expression or mutations.
Bioinformatics: Application of computer tools to analyze genetic data.
Other Key Terms
Karyotype: Picture of an organism's chromosomes.
Pedigree Chart: Diagram showing family history and inheritance of traits.
Autosome: Non-sex chromosome. Humans have 22 pairs.
Sex Chromosome: Determines sex (XX for females, XY for males).
X-linked Trait: Trait linked to the X chromosome.