Genetics Vocabulary

This word describes a specific characteristic of a living creature

• Allele

• Trait

• Genotype

• Heterozygous

The section of DNA on a chromosome. This controls a trait. It is passed from parent to child.

• Trait

• Homozygous

• Genotype

• Gene

The different kinds or variations of a gene for a trait. They come in pairs. Each trait has two or more of these

• Genotype

• Trait

• Allele

• Heterozygous

The actual genetic code an organism has for its traits. For example "Aa", "AA", or "aa"

• Genotype

• Genes

• Phenotype

• Traits

The traits an organism shows or the traits we see.

• Genotype

• Genes

• Phenotype

• Traits

When there are two different alleles combined, this allele is the boss. It is expressed or it shows.

• Heterozygous

• Recessive

• Genotype

• Dominant

When there are two different alleles for a trait, this allele is hidden. It does not show or express itself.

• Recessive

• Genotype

• Dominant

• Homozygous

This trait has the same alleles or letter pairs. For example "AA" or "aa".

• Heterozygous

• Dominant

• Homozygous

• Recessive

This trait has different alleles or letter combinations for a trait. For example "Aa"

• Heterozygous

• Dominant

• Homozygous

• Recessive

The likelihood or chance that something will happen.

• Genotype

• Trait

• Probability

• Phenotype