Page 153 - 86 human physiology part-2

Chapter 18

Glossary

Allele: one member of a pair of genes that occupy a specific position on a specific chromosome

Autosome: chromosome that is not a sex chromosome

Chromosome: threadlike strand of DNA and associated proteins in the nucleus of cells that carries
the genes and functions in the transmission of heredity information

Cystic Fibrosis: recessive genetic disorder affecting the mucus lining of the lungs, leading to
breathing problems and other difficulties

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: combination of birth defects resulting form high (sometimes low)
alcohol consumption by the mother during pregnancy

Gene: is a segment of nucleic acid that contains the information necessary to produce a functional
product, usually a protein.

Genetics: is the science of genes, heredity, and the variation of organisms.

Genome: complete set of genetic information of an organism including DNA and RNA

Genotype: actual set of genes an organism has. It is the blue print of gentic material.

Hemochromatosis: metabolic disorder that causes increased absorption of iron, which is
deposited in the body tissues and organs; the iron accumulates in the body where it may become toxic
and causes damage

Hemoglobin: component of red blood cells that carries oxygen

Hemophilia: group of heredity disorders in which affected individuals fail to make enough of
certain proteins needed to form blood clots

Inheritance: characteristics given to a child by a parent

Modifying Gene: alters how other genes are expressed in the phenotype

Multifactorial Inheritance: trait or disorder determined by multiple genes and/or environmental
effects

Phenotype: organisms physical appearance

Polygenic: trait whose expression is influenced by more than one gene

Regulator Genes: initiate or block the expression of other genes.

Sex-linked: pertaining to a trait of a disorder determined by the sex chromosome in a persons cells
or by the genes carried on those chromosomes

368 | Human Physiology