Review: Genetics Vocabulary

Front

What is a dominant gene?

Back

A dominant gene is a gene that controls a trait and only one copy is needed for the trait to be expressed in an organism.

Front

What does heterozygous mean?

Back

Heterozygous refers to having two different alleles for a particular gene in the genotype.

Front

What is a genotype?

Back

A genotype is the genetic makeup of an organism, represented by the combination of alleles (e.g., Tt, BB, rr).

Front

What is a trait?

Back

A trait is a characteristic or feature of an organism, such as eye color or height.

Front

What is a phenotype?

Back

A phenotype is the physical or visible appearance of an organism, which is determined by its genotype.

Front

What is a recessive gene?

Back

A recessive gene is a gene that only expresses its trait when two copies are present in the genotype.

Front

What is an allele?

Back

An allele is a variant form of a gene that can produce different traits.

Front

What does homozygous mean?

Back

Homozygous refers to having two identical alleles for a particular gene in the genotype.

Front

What is the relationship between genotype and phenotype?

Back

The genotype determines the phenotype; the genetic makeup influences the physical traits of an organism.

Front

What is the significance of Punnett squares?

Back

Punnett squares are used to predict the genetic outcomes of a cross between two organisms.