Human Genetics

 Allele specific version of a gene

Chromosome long strand of genetic information

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) helix-shaped molecule made of nucleotide base pairs

Dominant allele whose phenotype will be expressed in an individual that possesses that allele

Epigenetics study of gene-environment interactions, such as how the same genotype leads to different phenotypes

Fraternal twins who develop from two different eggs fertilized by different sperm, so their genetic material varies the same as in non-twin siblings

Gene sequence of DNA that controls or partially controls physical characteristics

Genetic environmental correlation view of gene-environment interaction that asserts our genes affect our environment, and our environment influences the expression of our genes

Genotype genetic makeup of an individual

Heterozygous consisting of two different alleles

Homozygous consisting of two identical alleles

Identical twins that develop from the same sperm and egg

Mutation sudden, permanent change in a gene

Phenotype individual’s inheritable physical characteristics

Polygenic multiple genes affecting a given trait

Range of reaction asserts our genes set the boundaries within which we can operate, and our environment interacts with the genes to determine where in that range we will fall

Recessive allele whose phenotype will be expressed only if an individual is homozygous for that allele

Theory of evolution by natural selection states that organisms that are better suited for their environments will survive and reproduce compared to those that are poorly suited for their environments