Term | Definition |
alleles | A different form of a gene. |
codominant | An inheritance pattern in which both alleles can be observed in a phenotype. |
DNA | The abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, an organism's genetic material. |
dominant trait | A genetic factor that blocks another genetic factor. |
genes | A section of DNA on a chromosome that has genetic information for one trait. |
genetics | The study of how traits are passed from parents to offspring. |
genotype | The alleles of all the genes on an organism's chromosomes; controls an organism's phenotype. |
heredity | The passing of traits from parents to offspring. |
heterozygous | A genotype in which the two alleles of a gene are different. |
homozygous | Pairs of chromosomes that have genes for the same traits arranged in the same order. |
Law of Independent Assortment | Each member of a pair of homologous chromosomes separates independently of the members of other pairs so the results are random. |
Law of Segregation | Members of a pair of homologous chromosomes separate during the formation of gametes and are distributed to different gametes so that every gamete receives only one member of the pair. |
Mendelian genetics | Shows a dominant and recessive relationship and genes are passed on from two parents (sexual reproduction). |
mutation | A permanent change in the sequence of DNA, or the nucleotides, in a gene or a chromosome. |
nucleotide | A molecule made of nitrogen base, a sugar, and a phosphate group. |
pedigree | A way to track traits through multiple generations. |
phenotype | How a trait appears or is expressed. |
polygenic inheritance | An inheritance pattern in which multiple genes determine the phenotype of a trait. |
Punnett Square | A model that is used to show the probability of all possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring. |
recessive trait | A genetic factor that is blocked by the presence of a dominant factor. |
replication | The process of copying a DNA molecule to make another DNA molecule. |
RNA | Ribonucleic Acid: A type of nucleic acid that carries the code for making proteins from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. |
traits | A characteristic feature or quality distinguishing a particular person or thing. |
transcription | The process of making mRNA from DNA. |
translation | The process of making a protein from RNA. |