Term | Definition |
DNA | a molecule that is present in all living cells and contains information that determines the traits that a living thing inherits |
Chromosomes | on of the structures in the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell that's made up of DNA |
Cell Cycle | the life cycle of the cell |
Interphase | the period of the cell cycle during which activities such as cell growth occur without signs of cell division |
Mitosis | the process of cell division in eukaryotic cells |
Cytokinesis | the division of the cytoplasm of a cell |
Homologous Chromosome | chromosomes that have the same sequence of genes and the same structure |
Meiosis | a process in cell division where the number of chromosomes decreases to half the original number by 2 divisions of the nucleus, which results in the production of sex cells |
Asexual Reproduction | reproduction that does not involve the union of sex cells; one parent produces offspring that are directly identical to the parent |
Sexual Reproduction | reproduction in which the sex cells from two parents unite to produce offspring that shares traits from both parents |
Fertilizer | the union of a male and female gamete to form a zygote |
Heredity | the passing of genetic material from parent to offspring |
Gene | one set of instructions for an inherited trait |
Allele | one of the alternative forms of a gene that governs a characteristics, such as hair color |
Genotype | the entire genetic makeup of an organism; combination of genes for one or more specific traits |
Phenotype | an organism's appearance or other detectable characteristics |
Dominant | in genetics, describes an allele that is fully expressed whenever the allele is present in an individual |
Recessive | describes an allele that will be masked unless the organism is homozygous for the trait |
Incomplete Dominance | a condition in which two alleles are expressed such that the phenotype of a heterozygous individual is an intermediate of the phenotypes of the two homozygous parents |
Codominance | a condition in which two alleles are expressed such that the phenotype of a heterozygous individual is the combination of the phenotypes of the two homozygous parents |
Punnett Square | a graphic used to predict the results of a genetic cross |
Probability | the likelihood that the possible future event will occur in any given instance of the event |
Ratio | a comparison of two numbers using division |
Pedigree | a diagram that shows the occurrence of a genetic trait in several generations of a family |