Term | Definition |
Gene | A short section of DNA in a chromosome which contains instructions for making a protein. |
Nucleus | The region of the cell which contains genetic material and controls the activities of the cell. |
Chromatid | The two identical halves of a chromosome produced for cell division and meiosis. |
Haploid | Describes a cell with half the full number of chromosomes (23 for humans). |
Diploid | Describes a cell with a full number of chromosomes (46 for humans). |
Centromere | The region where two sister chromatids are joined and to which a spindle fibre is attached during cell division. |
Genotype | This word describes the genetic make-up of an organism (i.e. the combination of alleles). |
Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid | This amazing molecule has a distinctive spiral shape. It can replicate itself in cells and is used to carry genetic information. |
Gamete | A male or female reproductive cell (sperm or ovum) with a haploid set of chromosomes (23 for humans). |
Genome | All genetic information of a particular organism. |
Cystic Fibrosis | A genetic disease that affects the lungs, digestive and reproductive systems. Inherited through a recessive allele. |
Carrier | A person who can pass on a genetic disease but does not suffer with it. |
Phenotype | This word describes the observable, physical characteristics that an organism has. |
Homozygous | A genotype made up of two alleles that are the same for a particular gene (e.g. HH or hh) is said to be..... |
Meiosis | Cell division which produces haploid cells. This process makes gametes for sexual reproduction. |
Dominant | This type of allele always shows its characteristic phenotype even if the individual only has one copy of the allele. |
Proteins | These thread-like structures are found in the nuclei of most cells. They carry genetic information and are made of long, coiled strands of DNA. |
Zygote | The diploid cell formed when two gametes combine. |
Mitosis | Cell division where one cell splits into two identical daughter cells. |
Punnet Square | A type of grid diagram used to show all the potential combinations of offspring genotypes that can occur and their probability. |
Allele | Different versions of the same gene. They can be either recessive or dominant. |
Recessive | This type of allele only shows its characteristic phenotype if paired with an identical allele. |
Heterozygous | A genotype made up of two different alleles (e.g. Aa) is said to be.... |
Heredity | The passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another. |