Genetics Vocabulary Review genetics the study of heredity

Genetics Vocabulary Review

genetics the study of heredity

DNA The directions or blueprints of life; made up of subunits called nucleotides

Chromosomes A structure in that carries genes that determine the sex of offspring as well as other traits; it is made up of DNA and protein

genes instructions for an inherited trait; located on chromosomes

Allele The different forms of a gene.

dominant Kind of trait that appears more often. Identified with a capital letter

recessive The trait that seems to reappear in the second generation; usually indicated by a lower case letter

heterozygous The combination of two different alleles for an inherited trait

homozygous The combination of two of the same alleles for an inherited trait

phenotype An organism’s inherited physical appearance

genotype The combination of alleles GG, Gg, or gg

probability that mathematical chance that an event will occur Ratio: 3: 1 or percent: 75% or fraction 1/4

Punnett Square A tool used to visualize all the possible combinations of alleles from parents

heredity the passing of traits from parents to offspring

mutation Changes in the DNA

Selective breeding When breeders mate organisms with desirable characteristics

Genetic Engineering Manipulating the genes within an organism.