Genetics Vocabulary

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Heterozygous

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An organism that has alleles that are DIFFERENT for a trait (e.g., Tt).

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Phenotype

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The PHYSICAL APPEARANCE of a trait, represented by words (e.g., Blue eyes).

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Acquired Trait

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A trait that is LEARNED or HAPPENS TO YOU, and is NOT in your DNA, such as a scar.

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Recessive

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The form of a trait that can hide, unless two are inherited, represented by a LOWERCASE letter.

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Genotype

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The actual GENETIC MAKEUP of an organism, represented by 2 letters (e.g., Tt).

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Allele

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Different forms of a gene that determine a specific trait (e.g., T and t for height).

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Dominant Trait

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A trait that is expressed when at least one dominant allele is present, represented by an UPPERCASE letter.

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Gene

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A segment of DNA that codes for a specific trait.

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Chromosome

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

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Inheritance

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The process by which genetic information is passed from parents to offspring.