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Genetic Notes

The document provides comprehensive notes on key genetic terms and concepts, including definitions of genes, alleles, genotypes, and phenotypes. It explains monohybrid, dihybrid, and trihybrid crosses, detailing methods like Punnett squares, FOIL, and forked-line for predicting genetic outcomes. Additionally, it covers important genetic principles such as Mendel's laws, codominance, incomplete dominance, and polygenic inheritance.

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4 views

Genetic Notes

The document provides comprehensive notes on key genetic terms and concepts, including definitions of genes, alleles, genotypes, and phenotypes. It explains monohybrid, dihybrid, and trihybrid crosses, detailing methods like Punnett squares, FOIL, and forked-line for predicting genetic outcomes. Additionally, it covers important genetic principles such as Mendel's laws, codominance, incomplete dominance, and polygenic inheritance.

Uploaded by

foxford.medicine.w1
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Genetics: Key Terms and Crosses

Comprehensive notes on genetic terms, monohybrid, dihybrid, and trihybrid crosses using
FOIL and forked-line methods.

Key Genetic Terms

Gene
A segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein or function.

Allele
Different forms of a gene. For example, dominant (A) and recessive (a).

Genotype
The genetic makeup of an organism, e.g., AA, Aa, or aa.

Phenotype
The observable traits of an organism, e.g., tall or short.

Homozygous
Having two identical alleles for a trait (e.g., AA or aa).

Heterozygous
Having two different alleles for a trait (e.g., Aa).

Dominant Trait
A trait expressed in the phenotype when at least one dominant allele is present.

Recessive Trait
A trait expressed in the phenotype only when both alleles are recessive.

Punnett Square
A grid used to predict the outcomes of genetic crosses.

Mendel’s Laws
Includes the Law of Segregation and Law of Independent Assortment.

Law of Segregation
Each organism carries two alleles for each trait, which segregate during gamete formation.
Law of Independent Assortment
Alleles of different genes are distributed independently of one another during gamete
formation.

Codominance
Both alleles in a heterozygote are fully expressed (e.g., AB blood type).

Incomplete Dominance
The phenotype of heterozygotes is a blend of both alleles (e.g., pink flowers from red and
white parents).

Polygenic Inheritance
Traits controlled by multiple genes, such as skin color or height.

Epistasis
When one gene affects the expression of another gene.

Linked Genes
Genes located close together on the same chromosome that tend to be inherited together.

Mutation
A change in the DNA sequence.

Chromosome
A structure within cells that contains genetic material (DNA).

Monohybrid Cross
A monohybrid cross involves one trait. For example, crossing plants for height (T for tall
and t for short).

Example:
Parent genotypes: Tt x Tt

Use a Punnett square:

TT | Tt | Tt | tt

Phenotypic Ratio: 3 Tall : 1 Short

Genotypic Ratio: 1 TT : 2 Tt : 1 tt
Dihybrid Cross
A dihybrid cross examines two traits. For example, seed shape (R-round, r-wrinkled) and
seed color (Y-yellow, y-green).

Example:
Parent genotypes: RrYy x RrYy

Use the FOIL method:

Gametes: RY, Ry, rY, ry

Construct a 4x4 Punnett square.

Trihybrid Cross
Trihybrid crosses involve three traits. For example, AaBbCc x AaBbCc.

The forked-line method simplifies this process:

Step 1: Solve for each trait independently.

Step 2: Multiply probabilities for combined outcomes.

Additional Examples and Concepts


1. Incomplete dominance in flowers: Red (RR) x White (rr) = Pink (Rr).

2. Codominance in blood types: IAIB results in AB blood type.

3. Polygenic inheritance: Traits like skin color or height are influenced by multiple genes.

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