click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Vocab
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Gene | a segment of DNA that codes for a particular protein, which in turn codes for a trait or characteristic, i.e. the gene for height |
| Chromosome | composed of genes; when an organism reproduces the chromosome is what carries the genetic info from parent to offspring |
| Allele | the two forms of a gene, i.e. the tall allele and short allele for the gene of height |
| Diploid | cells with two copies of each chromosome, having received one copy from each parent |
| Haploid | cells with only one copy of each chromosome |
| Somatic Cell | a regular body cell of an organism, contains 2n- diploid |
| Gamete | the sex cell of an organism (sperm or egg) that contains only one copy of an allele for a given trait, contains n- haploid |
| Homologous Chromosome | the two copies of each chromosome in a diploid cell |
| Dominant | the stronger form of an allele that is always expressed, represented by an upper case letter |
| Recessive | the weaker form of an allele that is hidden by the dominant allele if it is present, represented by a lower case letter |
| Homozygous | an allelic combo where both alleles are dominant or both alleles are recessive, also called true breeding |
| Heterozygous | an allelic combo where 1 of each type of allele is present, also called a hybrid |
| Phenotype | the physical appearance for an organism, ex. tall or short |
| Genotype | the actual genetic makeup of an organism |
| Cross | refers to the purposeful reproduction of 2 organisms, for ex. you cross a tall plant with a short plant |
| Probability | the likelihood or chance of getting an offspring with a certain characteristic |