Term | Definition |
Mitosis | A process of cell division that forms two new nuclei, each of which has the same number of chromosomes. |
Meiosis | a process of cell division where the number of chromosomes decreases by half the original number via two divisions of the nucleus, which results in the production of sex cells (sperm and egg, or spores (plant sex cells) |
Sexual Reproduction | Reproduction in which the sex cells from two parents unite to produce offspring that share traits from both parents |
Asexual Reproduction | Reproduction in which one parent produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent. |
Chromosome | Found in the nucleus of cells, they package and store DNA. |
Genes | Sections of DNA that contain information about your traits. |
DNA | A molecule that contains the instructions that tell a cell what to do. |
Heredity | The passing of genetic information, or traits, from parent to offspring |
Traits | Physical features or qualities of a person. |
Dominant | A trait that is always expressed if inherited from at least one parent and that will cover up another form of that trait. Symbolized as a capital letter. |
Recessive | A trait that is only expressed if inherited from BOTH parents and is covered up by a dominant trait and seems to disappear. Symbolized with a lowercase letter |
Incomplete Dominance | Occurs when two dominant traits mix together to create a new trait. |
Genotype | The genetic makeup, or genes, of an organism. |
Phenotype | The outward physical appearance of an organism as determined by the genotype. |
Allele | One of many forms that a gene may have for a single trait. May be dominant or recessive. |
Homozygous | Describes an organism with two alleles that are the same for a trait. |
Heterozygous | Describes an organism with two different alleles for a trait. |