3Rd Period Allele: Alternate Forms of a Genetic Locus
Glossary of Terms Commonly Encountered in Plant Breeding 1st Period - 3rd Period Allele: alternate forms of a genetic locus. For example, at a locus determining eye colour, an individual might have the allele for blue eyes, brown, etc. Breeding: the intentional development of new forms or varieties of plants or animals by crossing, hybridization, and selection of offspring for desirable characteristics Chromosome: the structure in the eukaryotic nucleus and in the prokaryotic cell that carries most of the DNA Cross-over: The point along the meiotic chromosome where the exchange of genetic material takes place. This structure can often be identified through a microscope Crossing-over: The reciprocal exchange of material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, which is responsible for genetic recombination. The process involves the natural breaking of chromosomes, the exchange of chromosome pieces, and the reuniting of DNA molecules Domestication: the process by which plants are genetically modified by selection over time by humans for traits that are more desirable or advantageous for humans DNA: an abbreviation for “deoxyribose nucleic acid”, the carrier molecule of inherited genetic information Dwarfness: The genetically controlled reduction in plant height. For many crops, dwarfness, as long as it is not too extreme, is an advantage, because it means that less of the crop's energy is used for growing the stem. Instead, this energy is used for seed/fruit/tuber production. The Green Revolution wheat and rice varieties were based on dwarfing genes Emasculation: The removal of anthers from a flower before the pollen is shed. To produce F1 hybrid seed in a species bearing monoecious flowers, emasculation is necessary to remove any possibility of self-pollination Epigenetic: heritable variation caused by differences in the chemistry of either the DNA (methylation) or the proteins associated with the DNA (histone acetylation), rather than in the DNA sequence itself Gamete: The haploid cell produced by meiosis.
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