Genetics vocabulary

Front

What is a homozygous genotype?

Back

A genotype that has two identical alleles for a trait, such as 'bb' or 'BB'.

Front

What does heterozygous mean?

Back

Having two different alleles for a trait, often referred to as a hybrid, such as 'Bb'.

Front

What is an allele?

Back

An alternative form of a gene that can produce different traits, such as 'brown eyes' or 'blue eyes'.

Front

What is the difference between homozygous and heterozygous?

Back

Homozygous means having two identical alleles, while heterozygous means having two different alleles.

Front

What does the term genotype refer to?

Back

The genetic makeup of an organism, represented by the alleles it possesses.

Front

What is a phenotype?

Back

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, determined by its genotype.

Front

What is a dominant allele?

Back

An allele that expresses its trait even when only one copy is present in the genotype.

Front

What is a recessive allele?

Back

An allele that only expresses its trait when two copies are present in the genotype.

Front

What is a gene?

Back

A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for building a specific protein or trait.

Front

What is a chromosome?

Back

A structure made of DNA and proteins that contains genetic information; humans have 23 pairs.