Genetics Vocab

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

• Found in the nucleus of cells, holds all genetic information, passed from parent to offspring.

• A type of protein that helps in muscle contraction.

• A carbohydrate that provides energy to cells.

• A lipid that stores energy in the body.

Dominant Trait

• The trait that shows when the dominant allele is present.

• A trait that is only expressed in homozygous individuals.

• A trait that is masked by a recessive allele.

• A trait that can be inherited from either parent.

Homozygous (Purebred)

• Homo= different Genotype with different alleles.

• Homo= same Genotype with the same alleles.

• Homo= a mix of different alleles.

• Homo= a single allele for a trait.

Phenotype

• Physical trait.

• Genetic makeup.

• Environmental influence.

• Cellular structure.

Genotype

• Genetic makeup (Shown in the form of 2 letters).

• Physical appearance of an organism.

• The process of cell division.

• The study of heredity.

Trait

• A specific characteristic that an organism can pass to its offspring through its genes.

• A random mutation that occurs in an organism's DNA.

• An environmental factor that influences an organism's development.

• A behavior that is learned rather than inherited.

DNA Structure

• Single Helix, straight ladder Nucleotide made of Phosphate, sugar and base.

• Double Helix, twisted ladder Nucleotide made of Phosphate, sugar and base.

• Triple Helix, coiled structure Nucleotide made of Phosphate, sugar and nitrogenous base.

• Double Helix, flat structure Nucleotide made of Phosphate, sugar and base.

Heterozygous (Hybrid)

• Hetero= same Genotype with identical alleles.

• Hetero= different Genotype with different forms of alleles.

• Hetero= a type of mutation in DNA.

• Hetero= a genetic condition that affects only males.

Recessive Trait

• A trait that is always expressed in the phenotype

• The trait that is hidden whenever the dominant allele is present- only shows when both recessive alleles are present.

• A trait that can be expressed in a heterozygous condition

• A trait that is expressed regardless of the alleles present.

Probability

• The chance of an event occurring.

• The certainty of an event happening.

• The likelihood of an event happening.

• The impossibility of an event occurring.