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Big Idea 16
Heredity and Reproduction
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Heredity | The passage of genetic instructions from one generation (parents) to the next |
| DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) | The molecule that contains the genetic code for an organism; shaped like a double helix |
| Genetics | The scientific study of heredity and how traits are passed on. |
| Asexual Reproduction | A process involving only one parent; the offspring are genetically identical to the parent (clones) |
| Sexual Reproduction | A process involving two parents; the offspring have a unique combination of genetic material from both |
| Mitosis | The process of cell division that results in two identical "daughter" cells (used for growth and repair). |
| Meiosis | A specialized type of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and egg cells) with half the number of chromosomes; results in high variation (this is why siblings look different). |
| Allele | The different forms of a gene (e.g., the "Tall" allele vs. the "Short" allele) |
| Gene | A specific segment of DNA on a chromosome that codes for a specific trait |
| Chromosome | A thread-like structure of DNA found in the nucleus. Humans have 23 pairs (46 total). |
| Dominant Trait | The "stronger" allele that masks the other. Shown with a Capital Letter (e.g., T). |
| Recessive Trait | The "hidden" allele. Only shows up if two are present. Shown with a lowercase letter (e.g., t). |
| Acquired Trait | A characteristic that is learned or developed through environmental influence (like a scar or playing piano) and is not passed down through DNA |
| Interihted Trait | A characteristic passed from parents to offspring through genes (like eye color or hair texture) |
| Genotype | The genetic code (the letters, like Tt) |
| Phenotype | The physical appearance (what you see, like Tall) |
| Homozygous | Having two of the same alleles (e.g., TT or tt). Also called "purebred." |
| Heterozygous | Having two different alleles (e.g., Tt). Also called "hybrid." |
| Mutation | A change in a DNA sequence. Mutations can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral, and they are the primary source of new traits. |
| Punnett Square | A diagram used to predict the probability of an offspring’s genotype and phenotype |
| Pedigree Chart | A diagram (like a family tree) used to trace a trait through multiple generations |
| Daughter Cells | The new cells produced after a cell divides (via mitosis or meiosis) |
| Binary Fission | A form of asexual reproduction used by prokaryotes (bacteria) where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells |
| Budding | A type of asexual reproduction where a new organism grows out of the body of the parent (common in yeast, hydra, and corals) |
| Regeneration | The ability of an organism to regrow lost body parts or, in some cases, grow a whole new organism from a piece of the original (like a starfish) |
Created by:
Ms. Wilhjelm
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