Genetics and Heredity Concepts

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Heredity

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The passing of traits and characteristics from parents to offspring through genes.

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DNA

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The molecule of genetic material found in living cells. It contains the information needed for an organism to grow, maintain itself, and reproduce.

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Gene

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The basic unit of heredity that consists of a segment of DNA.

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Allele

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An alternate form of a gene for a specific trait. (The different possible expressions for a gene.)

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Trait

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Any genetic feature that can be used to distinguish between two species. (characteristic of an organism)

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Heterozygous

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Two different alleles paired together

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Homozygous

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Two identical alleles paired together.

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Genotype

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The genetic code or makeup of an organism (e.g., XX or XY).

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Phenotype

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The observable genetic features of an organism (e.g., male or female).

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Dominant Allele

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An allele that determines the phenotype of an individual organism. It is usually represented by an uppercase (capital) letter.