Home Biology 3020 Introduction to Evolution

Spring 2012


Definitions

You must know these "word for word."

Allele - alternative forms of a gene that occur at the same gene locus on homologous chromosomes

Codon - three consecutive nucleotides on a strand of mRNA which code for an amino acid

Enzyme - A polymer of amino acids which acts as a biological catalyst, lowering the activation energy of reactions, and remaining unchanged

Evolution - Changes in gene frequencies in a population over time

Gene - a sequence of DNA nucleotides that codes for a specific polypeptide

Hardy-Weinberg Principle - the frequencies of alleles in a population will remain constant unless acted upon by outside agents or forces

Homologous chromosomes - Corresponding chromosomes, one from each parent, which contain the same genes

Law of Independent Assortment - the inheritance of a pair of factors for one trait is independent of the simultaneous inheritance of factors for other traits, such factors assort independently

Law of segregation - hereditary characteristics are determined by discrete factors that appear in pairs, the two factors segregate (separate) during gamete formation and end up in different gametes

Locus – the physical location of a gene on a chromosome

Natural Selection - differential reproduction and survival

Population - a group of interbreeding individuals of the same species sharing a common geographical area

Theory - a hypothesis supported by a great deal of evidence which stands the test of time, often tested and never rejected

Species - a group of populations that have the potential to interbreed in nature and produce viable offspring