Genetics Fundamentals
33 entries in the Genetics Fundamentals compendium.
Genetic linkageTendency of nearby DNA sequences to be inherited together.Genetic recombinationExchange of genetic material producing novel trait combinations.GeneticsStudy of genes, heredity, and variation in organisms.GenomeThe complete genetic information of an organism.GenomicsStudy of the complete set of an organism's DNA.GenotypeGenotype is the genetic makeup of an organism.HaplogroupGroup of haplotypes sharing a common ancestor via SNP mutation.Hardy–Weinberg principleAllele and genotype frequencies remain constant without evolutionary influences.HeritabilityStatistic estimating genetic contribution to trait variation in a population.HeterosisHybrid vigor from genetic mixing of parents.Homologous recombinationUniversal biological mechanism for genetic exchange and DNA repair.Horizontal gene transferMovement of genetic material between organisms beyond parent-to-offspring inheritance.Human Genome ProjectInternational project to sequence the entire human genome.Human genomeComplete set of human DNA sequences, including nuclear and mitochondrial genomes.InbreedingInbreeding increases homozygosity and risk of recessive genetic disorders.IntronNon-expressed nucleotide sequences within genes, removed during RNA processing.MicroRNASmall non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally.MicroevolutionChange in allele frequencies within a population over time.Molecular geneticsBranch of biology linking DNA structure to organism variation.Non-coding DNADNA sequences that do not encode proteins, including functional and junk regions.Non-coding RNAFunctional RNA molecules not translated into protein.OperonA cluster of genes transcribed into a single mRNA molecule.PenetranceProportion of genotype carriers expressing an associated trait.PloidyPloidy describes chromosome set number in cells.Point mutationA single nucleotide change with wide-ranging biological effects.Population geneticsSubfield of genetics studying genetic differences within and among populations.Promoter (genetics)DNA sequence that initiates transcription of a gene.Quantitative geneticsStudy of continuously varying phenotypes and their genetic basis.Regulation of gene expressionGene regulation controls when and how much protein is made.Restriction enzymeEnzymes that cut DNA at specific sites, enabling genetic manipulation.Reverse geneticsMethod to determine gene function by engineering specific genetic changes.Reverse transcriptaseEnzyme that synthesizes DNA from an RNA template.Sex linkagePatterns of inheritance for genes on sex chromosomes.
Browse Genetics Fundamentals in the interactive codex →