Genetics Vocabulary

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Punnett Square

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A special chart used to show possible gene combinations.

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Gene

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Segment of DNA found in chromosomes that give instructions for producing a certain characteristic.

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Recessive

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The trait represented by a lower case letter.

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Probability

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Chance or possibility that an event will take place.

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Incomplete Dominance

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The blending of two different alleles to create a third unique phenotype. Example: Snapdragon: red X white --> pink.

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Dominant

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The trait represented by an upper case letter that masks the effect of a recessive allele.

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Allele

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Different forms of a gene that can exist at a specific locus.

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Phenotype

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The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.

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Genotype

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The genetic constitution of an individual, often represented by letters (e.g., AA, Aa, aa).

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Codominance

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A genetic scenario where both alleles in a heterozygote are fully expressed, resulting in offspring with a phenotype that is neither dominant nor recessive. Example: AB blood type.