Term | Definition |
allele | Variant forms of the same gene |
autosome | A chromosome that is not a sex chromosome |
codominance | The relationship between two versions of a gene |
dihybrid | A cross between two pure lines that differ in two observed traits |
dominant allele | A relationship in which one allele masks the effects of the other |
genotype | An individual's collection of genes |
heterozygous | Having dissimilar pairs of genes for any hereditary characteristic |
homozygous | Having similar pairs of genes for any hereditary charachteristic |
monohybrid | The mating of individuals with different alleles |
multiple allele | A series of three or more alternative forms of a gene |
phenotype | The composite of an organisms observable characteristics |
punnet square | A diagram used to predict an outcome of a particular cross |
recessive allele | An allele that only produces its characteristic phenotype when its paired allele is identical |
sex chromosome | A chromosome that is involved with determining the sex of an organism |
sex linked trait | A trait that is carried only by the male or female parent |
test cross | A genetic cross between a homozygous recessive individual and a corresponding suspected heterozygote to determine the genotype of the latter |
apoptosis | The death of cells that occurs as a normal and controlled part of an organism's growth and development |
cell cycle | The process that takes place as a cell grows and divides |
centriole | A minute cylindrical organelle near the nucleus in animal cells that produces spindle fibers during cell division |
centromere | The point on a chromosome that is attached to a spindle fiber during cell division |
chromatin | The material of which the chromosomes are composed |
chromosome | A threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells |
crossing-over | The exchange of genes between homologous chromosomes, resulting in a mixture of parental characteristic in offspring |
cytokinesis | The cytoplasmic division of a cell at the end of mitosis or meiosis. |
diploid(2n) chromosome number | Containing two complete sets of chromosomes. |
gamete | A mature haploid male or female that is a integral part of sexual reproduction. |
haploid(n) Chromosome number | A cell that has half the usual number of chromosomes. |
homologous chromosome | A pair of similar chromosomes from the mother and the father. |
meiosis | A type of cell division that produces 4 daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent |
mitosis | A type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells |
nondisjunction | The failure for homologous chromosomes to separate. |
somatic cell | Any cell that is not a reproductive cell |
synapsis | The fusion of chromosome pairs at the start of meiosis |