Vocabulary Handout

Advanced Animal Genetics

Allele
alternative form of a gene

Centromere
most condensed and constricted region of a chromosome to which the
spindle fiber is attached during cell division

Chromatids
either of the two daughter strands of a replicated chromosome which are
joined by a single centromere and separate during cell division to become
individual chromosomes

Chromosome
one of a number of long strands of DNA and associated proteins present in the
nucleus of every cell

Complete Dominance
physical expression of the heterozygote is identical to the physical expression
of the homozygous dominant genotype

Diploid
having a complete pair of chromosomes and located in body cells

DNA
deoxyribonucleic acid; molecule which forms the genetic code

Gamete
sex cell; a sperm or egg

Gene
basic physical unit of heredity consisting of a DNA sequence at a specific
location on a chromosome

Genotype
combination of genes at a single loci

Haploid
having only one homolog chromosomes and located in sex cells

Heredity
genetic transmission of characteristics from parent to offspring

Advanced Animal Genetics 1

Vocabulary Handout

Advanced Animal Genetics

Heterosis
marked vigor or capacity for growth often exhibited by crossbred animals; hybrid
vigor

Heterozygous
one-locus genotype containing functionally different genes

Homologs
one pair of chromosomes having corresponding loci

Homozygous
one-locus genotype containing functionally identical genes

Locus
specific location of a gene on a chromosome

Meiosis
process of sex cell formation through cell division

Metaphase Plate
center of the cell, where chromosomes align preparing to split during
Metaphase

Mitosis
process of body cell formation through cell division

Nucleotides
any of various compounds consisting of a nucleoside combined with a
phosphate group and forming the basic constituent of DNA and RNA

Phenotype
expression of a specific trait determined by both genetic makeup and
environmental influences

Primordial Germ Cells

sexual reproductive cell in the first stages of development

Punnett Square
two-dimensional grid used to determine the possible zygotes obtainable from
two parents

Advanced Animal Genetics 2

Vocabulary Handout

Advanced Animal Genetics

Qualitative Inheritance
inheritance of a character which differs in its expression amongst individuals of
a species

Quantitative Inheritance
inheritance of a character which depends upon the cumulative action
of many genes, each of which produces only a small effect

Tetrad
group of four synapsed chromatids which become visible during the meiotic
prophase

Zygote
cell formed from the union of male and female gametes

Advanced Animal Genetics 3