Biology - Genetic Terminology

The following table illustrates the major Genetic Terminologies along with their brief explanations −

Sr.No.	Terminology & Definition/Description
1	Allele An alternative form of a gene
2	Amorph A silent gene
3	Angelman syndrome a rare genetically inherited form of mental retardation
4	Autosome Synonymous with somatic chromosomes
5	Chimera An exceptionally rare person composed of the cells derived from different zygotes
6	Chromosome Rod-shaped or thread-like structures located within the cell nucleus that carry genes encoded by DNA
7	Cloned gene A recombinant DNA molecule along with the gene of interest
8	Consanguinity Having a common ancestor, i.e., blood relations
9	Crossing over The exchange of genetic material between a pair of homologous chromosomes
10	Cross-pollination Mating of two genetically different plants (but of the same species).
11	Dizygotic twins Twins produced from two separate ova, which are separately fertilized
12	Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) Composed of nucleic acids, DNA encodes the genes that facilitate genetic information to be passed to offspring.
13	Evolution Genetic change in a population of organisms over period of time
14	Gamete A reproductive sex cell (i.e. ovum or sperm)
15	Gene Units of inheritance typically occurring at specific locations (a chromosome)
16	Gene Pool All of the genes in all of the individuals in a breeding population
17	Gene Flow The transference of genes from one population to another
18	Genetic Drift Evolution, or change in gene pool frequencies, resulting from a random chance
19	Genetics Study of gene structure, action, and the patterns of inheritance of traits from parent to offspring
20	Genome The full genetic complement of a species
21	Genomic imprinting The epigenetic phenomenon by which certain genes are expressed in a parent-of-origin-specific manner
22	Genotype Genetic constitution of a cell (of an individual organism)
23	Gout Genetically inherited metabolic disorder (or a type of arthritis)
24	Hemophilia Genetic disorder (largely inherited), problem in blood clotting
25	Heterozygous A cell containing two different alleles of a gene
26	Huntington's disease An inherited disorder that results into death of brain cells
27	Hybrid Combining the qualities of two animals or plants of different breeds, varieties, species (also known as crossbreed)
28	Mutation Change that occurs in DNA sequence
29	Observable characteristics or traits of an individual resulting from the interaction between genotype and the environment
30	Pleiotropy When one gene influences two or more apparently unrelated phenotypic traits
31	Psoriasis An inherited disease categorized by recurring thick, reddish patches on skin
32	Syntenic Genes occurring on the same chromosome
33	Zygote The fertilized egg is known as zygote