Term | Definition |
Species | Organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. |
Heredity | The passing on of traits from parent to offspring by means of genes |
Gene Expression | The process of using the information on the gene to make a protein |
Gene | A unit of DNA which codes for the production of a specific protein |
DNA profiling | Examining DNA for a pattern or band to compare against the DNA of another person. |
Coding dna | That part of the chromosome which carries the infomation to make a protein |
Non-coding dna | That part of the chromosome which does not carry the infomation to make a protein |
Genetic screening | Testing for the presence of a specific gene to establish the presence or absence of that gene |
Transcription | The process of producing mRNA using DNA as a template. |
Translation | The process of making a protein using the mRNA code a template |
Gamete | A haploid sex cell which is capable of fusion |
Fertilisation | The fusion of 2 haploid gametes to form a diploid zygote |
Allele | An alternative form of a gene |
Homozygous | Has identical alleles for a trait |
Heterozygous | Has different alleles for a trait |
Genotype | The genetic make-up of an individual |
Phenotype | Physical appearance of an organism |
Dominance | One allele masks the expression of the other. |
Recessive | Allele whose expression is masked by dominant allele |
Incomplete Dominance | Neither allele masks the expression of the other. |
Variation | Difference between members of species or population |
Mutation | Change in the genetic make up |
Genetic engineering | Manipulation or alteration of genes |
Evolution | Inheritable change within a population or species in response to change in the environment by natural selection over time |
Mendel’s 1st Law[Segregation] | Traits are controlled by pairs of alleles which separate at gamete formation. Each gamete carries only one allele for each trait |
Mendel’s 2nd Law[Ind.Assortment] | During gamete formation each member of a pair of alleles may combine randomly with either of another pair |
Linkage | Genes located on the same chromosome |
Sex Linkage | Gene located on X- chromosome or on Y-chromosome |
Non-nuclear Inheritance | DNA apart from that found in the nucleus e.g. mitochondria that is passed on to the next generation |