AP Biology Flashcards: Non Mendelian Genetics

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Non Mendelian Genetics, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Biology.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is a quantitative trait?

Answer: A trait that is measured on a continuous scale and is usually polygenic. Shows bell curve distribution in populations.

Flashcard 2: How does a polygenic inheritance pattern differ from Mendelian?

Answer: Polygenic involves multiple genes contributing to one trait. Creates continuous variation instead of discrete phenotypic classes.

Flashcard 3: Define epistasis.

Answer: One gene affects the expression of another gene located at a different locus. One gene masks or modifies the expression of another gene.

Flashcard 4: What is an X-linked trait?

Answer: A trait determined by a gene located on the X chromosome. Shows different inheritance patterns in males versus females.

Flashcard 5: Define expressivity in genetic terms.

Answer: The degree to which a genotype is expressed in an individual. Same genotype can produce varying degrees of phenotypic expression.

Flashcard 6: What is a sex-influenced trait?

Answer: A trait that is more common in one sex due to hormonal differences, despite being autosomal. Hormonal differences affect gene expression between sexes.

Flashcard 7: What is the pattern of inheritance for Duchenne muscular dystrophy?

Answer: X-linked recessive. Primarily affects males due to X-linked location.

Flashcard 8: What is the significance of a linkage map?

Answer: Shows the relative position of genes on a chromosome. Distance between genes correlates with recombination frequency.

Flashcard 9: What does pleiotropy refer to in genetics?

Answer: A single gene influences multiple phenotypic traits. Results from the gene product affecting multiple biological pathways.

Flashcard 10: What does pleiotropy refer to in genetics?

Answer: A single gene influences multiple phenotypic traits. Results from the gene product affecting multiple biological pathways.

Flashcard 11: How does a polygenic inheritance pattern differ from Mendelian?

Answer: Polygenic involves multiple genes contributing to one trait. Creates continuous variation instead of discrete phenotypic classes.

Flashcard 12: What is the significance of a linkage map?

Answer: Shows the relative position of genes on a chromosome. Distance between genes correlates with recombination frequency.

Flashcard 13: What is an example of pleiotropy?

Answer: The sickle cell gene affects both red blood cell shape and malaria resistance. One mutation affects multiple organ systems simultaneously.

Flashcard 14: Identify a human trait determined by multiple alleles.

Answer: Human ABO blood group system. Three alleles ($I^A$, $I^B$, i) determine four blood types.

Flashcard 15: Identify the inheritance pattern: male-pattern baldness.

Answer: Sex-influenced. Expression depends on sex hormones affecting gene regulation.

Flashcard 16: Determine the phenotype ratio of a monohybrid cross with incomplete dominance.

Answer: 1:2:1. No masking of recessive phenotypes occurs in heterozygotes.

Flashcard 17: What is the likelihood of a son inheriting hemophilia if the mother is a carrier?

Answer: $50\%$ chance. Males inherit the trait if mother carries the recessive allele.

Flashcard 18: Identify an example of a polygenic trait in humans.

Answer: Skin color, which is influenced by multiple genes. Shows continuous variation due to multiple contributing genes.

Flashcard 19: Identify a human trait determined by multiple alleles.

Answer: Human ABO blood group system. Three alleles ($I^A$, $I^B$, i) determine four blood types.

Flashcard 20: What is an example of codominance?

Answer: AB blood type, where both A and B alleles are expressed. A and B antigens are simultaneously expressed on red blood cells.

Flashcard 21: Identify an example of a polygenic trait in humans.

Answer: Skin color, which is influenced by multiple genes. Shows continuous variation due to multiple contributing genes.

Flashcard 22: What role does the environment play in phenotypic expression?

Answer: It can modify the expression of genetic traits. Gene-environment interactions influence final phenotypic outcomes.

Flashcard 23: What is a quantitative trait?

Answer: A trait that is measured on a continuous scale and is usually polygenic. Shows bell curve distribution in populations.

Flashcard 24: Define the term 'lethal allele'.

Answer: An allele that causes death in the organism, usually before reproduction. Prevents organism survival or reproduction capability.

Flashcard 25: What is a polygenic trait?

Answer: A trait controlled by two or more genes. Multiple genes contribute additively to the phenotype.

Flashcard 26: What is a polygenic trait?

Answer: A trait controlled by two or more genes. Multiple genes contribute additively to the phenotype.

Flashcard 27: What role does the environment play in phenotypic expression?

Answer: It can modify the expression of genetic traits. Gene-environment interactions influence final phenotypic outcomes.

Flashcard 28: What is the expected phenotype ratio in a cross of heterozygotes with codominance?

Answer: 1:2:1. Each genotype produces a distinct, recognizable phenotype.

Flashcard 29: What is an X-linked trait?

Answer: A trait determined by a gene located on the X chromosome. Shows different inheritance patterns in males versus females.

Flashcard 30: Define epistasis.

Answer: One gene affects the expression of another gene located at a different locus. One gene masks or modifies the expression of another gene.

Flashcard 31: What is an example of codominance?

Answer: AB blood type, where both A and B alleles are expressed. A and B antigens are simultaneously expressed on red blood cells.

Flashcard 32: What is the likelihood of a son inheriting hemophilia if the mother is a carrier?

Answer: $50\%$ chance. Males inherit the trait if mother carries the recessive allele.