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DSMS Heredity & DNA
Genetics, Heredity, and DNA
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Mendel | the father of genetics. |
| Watson & Crick | discovered the shape of DNA. |
| trait | a characteristic that is determined by genes. |
| heredity | the passing of traits from parents to offspring. |
| dominant trait | a trait that is observed in the offspring when parents that have different traits are bred. |
| recessive trait | a trait that reappears in the second generation after disappearing in the first generation when parents that have different traits are bred. |
| gene | part of the DNA that is used to make a protien. |
| allele | different versions of a gene. |
| phenotype | an organism's inherited physical appearance |
| genotype | an organism's inherited combination of genes. |
| probability | the mathematical chance that an event will occur |
| variation | differences amongst organisms |
| DNA | a molecule that determines the traits a living thing inherits and needs to survive |
| RNA | a copy of DNA used to make proteins |
| ribosomes | an organelle that makes proteins |
| nucleus | the organelle that stores and protects DNA |
| nucleotide | a subunit of DNA made of a sugar, phosphate, and a nitrogenous base |
| double helix | the geometric shape of DNA |
| chromosome | coiled structure of DNA and protein |
| protein | a molecule used to build and repair cells and regulate chemical reactions in living things |
| mutation | a change in the order of the nucleotides in DNA |
| mutagen | anything that can cause a mutation |
| meiosis | cell division that results in cells with half the original number of chromosomes |
| Punnett Square | a tool used to predict the genotypes and phenotypes of the offspring of a mating pair |
| genetic engineering | the process of putting the genes from one organism into the DNA of another organism |
| codon | three nucleotides in RNA that are read as a single unit |
| incomplete dominance | inheritance pattern where heterozygous genotypes have a mixed pheotype |
| codominance | inheritance pattern where heterozygous genotypes have two dominant phenotypes appear |