Understanding Heredity and Genetics

Front

What is a trait?

Back

A distinguishing quality or characteristic.

Front

What is phenotype?

Back

The way a trait is shown or seen.

Front

What is genotype?

Back

The genetic makeup of an organism that determines a specific trait.

Front

What is genetics?

Back

The study of how certain traits are passed from parent to offspring.

Front

What is a gene?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

Back

Genotype is the genetic makeup, while phenotype is the observable expression of that makeup.

Front

What does it mean for a trait to be dominant?

Back

A dominant trait is one that is expressed in the phenotype even if only one allele is present.

Front

What does it mean for a trait to be recessive?

Back

A recessive trait is only expressed in the phenotype if two copies of the allele are present.

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What is an allele?

Back

An alternative form of a gene that can produce different traits.

Front

What is heredity?

Back

The passing of traits from parents to offspring.