Most commonly used for a similar phenotype being caused by mutations in different genes. Allelic heterogeneity refers to different mutations in the same gene. Genetic markers Alleles of genes, or DNA polymorphisms, used as experimental probes to keep track of an individual, a tissue, a cell, a nucleus, a chromosome, or a gene. The total genetic material of an organism, i.e. an organism's complete set of DNA sequences. Specialized cells that form the reproductive organ where they ultimately undergo meiosis, thereby producing gametes that contain half the number of chromosomes as there body cells.
Germ cells are responsible for transmitting genes to the next generation of an organism.
Haploid A single set of chromosomes present in the egg and sperm cells of animals, in the egg and pollen cells of plants, and in stable or transient life cycle forms of some other organisms such as yeast. Heterozygous Having two different alleles at a given locus on a pair of homologous chromosomes. Heterogeneous trait see Genetic Heterogeneity Homologous chromosomes Chromosomes that pair with each other at meiosis. Homozygote An individual possessing a pair of identical alleles at a given locus on a pair of homologous chromosomes. Housekeeping gene Gene that is expressed in virtually all cells since it is fundamental to the any cell's functions.