BIOB 110CS Exam 4 Vocab

one or two more possible forms of a gene at a particular locus

matching regions on homologous chromosomes break and then reconnect to the other chromosome

containing two homologous copies of each chromosome, one from each parent

one allele masks the expression of the other allele at the same locus

the genetic makeup of a cell or organism

the number of chromosomes in a gamete of an individual

the situation in which hybrid offspring are superior to, and often perform better, than their parents

a diploid cell or organism that contains two different alleles of a gene

a pair of chromosomes with genes for the same characteristics at corresponding loci; one inherited from each parent.

a diploid cell or organism that contains two identical alleles of a gene on homologous chromosomes

a miniature, fully-formed human body

the phenotype of the heterozygote is distinct from and usually intermediate to the phenotypes of the homozygotes

the idea that an organism can pass on characteristics that it acquired during its lifetime to its progeny; aka heritability of acquired characteristics

the location of a gene on a chromosome

a key mechanism of evolution; a gradual, non-random process in which biological traits become more or less common in a population because of differential reproduction of theirs bearers

the composite of an organism's observable characteristics or traits; the outward appearance of a genotype as regulated by the environment and interactions

a group of non-allelic genes that together influence a phenotypic trait; aka multiple gene inheritance or quantitative inheritance

a cell or organism containing more than two homologous sets of chromosomes

a diagram used to predict the outcome of a particular cross or breeding experiment

the idea that all organisms develop from miniature versions of themselves

an allele that causes a phenotype only seen in the homozygote

the process of breaking and rejoining DNA strands to form new molecules encoding a novel set of genetic information

all non-germline cells in an organism

the formation of living organisms without descent from similar organisms

a process used to determine if an individual exhibiting a dominant trait is homozygous or heterozygous for the trait

a DNA sequence that can change its relative position within the genome of a cell; aka transposable element, mobile genetic element

a device that uses compressed gas to blast transgene-coated gold particles into plant tissue to transform the tissue; aka gene gun

the transfer of alleles or genes from one population to another; aka gene migration

the dose of a test compound that kills 50% of a population of test animals; a measure of relative toxicity

a gene conferring resistance to a drug or herbicide that is transformed into plant tissue along with a gene of interest; used to select only those cells that have been transformed for regeneration into whole plants

an organism containing an exogenous gene that confers a new, heritable trait

a strip of bushes and trees planted at the bottom of a slope and above a waterway that intercepts runoff from upslope tilled fields.

the maximum quantity of total cations that a soil is capable of holding, at a given pH value, that are available for exchange with the soil solution; ___ is used as a measure of soil fertility and nutrient retention capacity.

soil particles smaller than 0.002 mm (2 microns) in diameter; geologic clay deposits are mostly composed of phyllosilicate minerals grouped as kaolinite, montmorillonite-smectite, or illite

the practice of tilling fields not in straight lines but following the natural contours, or slope patterns, in order to slow water runoff and sedimentation

non-living particulate organic material that includes the bodies or fragments of dead organisms and feces; in terrestrial ecosystems, detrital leaf litter and other organic matter mixed with soil is referred to as humus

the aquatic ecosystem response to excess nitrates or other nutrients; usually results in a "bloom" or great increase in algal growth, which subsequently leads to hypoxia and death of fish and other aquatic organisms.

a crop specifically grown to be plowed under the soil in order to add nutrients and organic matter to the soil, especially nitrogen-fixing plants.

a soil composed of about 40% sand, 40% silt and 20%clay that is considered ideal for agricultural uses because it retains nutrients and water well while still allowing excess water to drain away.

a medical disorder caused by high levels of methemoglobin in the blood, resulting in a reduced affinity for oxygen.

the practice of reducing tillage practices, and substituting less destructive forms of tillage, in order to increase the amount and residence time of crop stubble.

growing crops without any tillage, either before seeds are planted or after harvest; the goal is to continually maintain standing crop stubble and residue on the soil surface in order to minimize soil loss by wind and water erosion.

a farming management concept based on observing and responding to intra-field variations by deferentially applying inputs as aided by GPS and GIS technologies

the narrow region of soil immediately adjacent to roots hat contains root secretions and associated soil microorganisms, and is the location for the majority of nutrient cycling and disease suppression needed by plants.

a localized area of highly concentrated salt deposits on the soil surface; the result of excess water infiltration and movement from the seep recharge area.

the process of salt accumulation in agricultural soils due to long-term irrigation

soil particles between 2 mm and 0.02 mm in diameter, most commonly composed of silica in the for of quartz.

in agriculture, the process of topsoil contamination of surface waters through erosion.

soil particles between 0.02 mm to 0.002 mm in diameter; silt mineral origin is quartz and feldspar

a qualitative classification of agricultural soils based on their relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay; used to determine suitability for cropping and tillage practices.

a term referring to a soil that has proper structure and nutrients to grow healthy crops; a soil with good ____ is also friable which prevents compaction from machinery.

the yield of plant harvestable product per unit of crop water use