Biology Heredity Essential Vocabulary

A segment of DNA that codes for a specific version of a trait.  For example, this DNA segment might code for brown eyes.

• Allele

• Gene

• Genotype

• Phenotype

A segment of DNA that codes for a general characteristic (but not the specific version). For example, this DNA segment might code for eye color.

• Allele

• Gene

• Genotype

• Phenotype

This term represents the set of alleles an organism has for a specific gene.  Examples include heterozygous (Aa) and homozygous (AA or aa)

• Allele

• Gene

• Genotype

• Phenotype

The observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the combination of alleles that it contains.

• Allele

• Gene

• Genotype

• Phenotype

This organism has two different alleles for a gene.  The genotype of this individual is symbolized with one capital letter and one lower-case letter (Aa).

• Dominant

• Recessive

• Homozygous

• Heterozygous

This organism has two of the same alleles for a gene.  The genotype of this individual is symbolized with either two capital letters (AA) or two lower-case letters (aa).

• Dominant

• Recessive

• Homozygous

• Heterozygous

This term identifies an allele that overpowers another allele and therefore appears in the organism’s phenotype.

• Dominant

• Recessive

• Homozygous

• Heterozygous

This term identifies an allele that is overpowered by another allele and therefore does not appear in the organism’s phenotype.

• Dominant

• Recessive

• Homozygous

• Heterozygous

Some alleles don't show in an organism's phenotype because they are...

• Dominant

• Recessive

• Genotype

• Phenotype

If an organism is heterozygous the ____ allele will show.

• Dominant

• Recessive

• Genotype

• Phenotype