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Genitics/Unit 4
Vocab for Unit 4
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Heredity | The passing of genetic traits from parent to offspring |
gene | one set of instructions for an inherited trait |
DNA | deoxyribonucleic acid, a molecule that is present in all living cells and that contains the information that determines the traits that a living thing inherits and needs to live |
chromosome | in a eukaryotic cell, one of the structures in the nucleus that are made up of DNA and protein; in a prokaryotic cell, the main ring of DNA |
dominant trait | the trait observed in the first generation when parents that have different traits are bred |
recessive trait | a trait that is apparent only when to recessive alleles for the same charicteristic are inherited |
alleles | one of the alternative forms of a gene that governs a charicteristic, such as hair color |
genotype | the entire genetic makeup of an organism; also the combination of genes for one or more specific traits |
phenotype | an organisms appearance or other detectable characteristic |
meiosis | a process in cell division during which the number of chromosomes decreases to half the original number by two divisions of the nucleus, which results in the production of sex cells |
mitosis | in eukaryotic cells, a process of cell division that forms two new nuclei, each of which has the same number of chromosomes |
asexual | formed by, characterized by, or being a process of reproduction that does not combine the male and female reproduction cells |
reproduction | the process in which living things produce offspring |
egg cell | a female reproductive cell of animals and plants that can unite with a sperm cell to form a new individual |
sperm cell | a male reproductive cell of animals and plants that can unite with an egg cell to create a new individual |