Genetics Vocabulary

The study of the passing of genetic traits from parent to offspring is called:

• Genetics

• Biology

• Ecology

• Anatomy

The father of modern genetics who experimented with pea plants is known as:

• Charles Darwin

• Gregor Mendel

• Louis Pasteur

• James Watson

What is a unit of DNA found in chromosomes that controls inherited trait expression and is passed on from one generation to another?

• Gene

• Chromosome

• Nucleus

• Cell

What term describes all of the different options for one gene or trait?

• Allele

• Genotype

• Phenotype

• Chromosome

The DNA-containing structure that carries genetic material from one generation to another is called:

• Chromosome

• Ribosome

• Mitochondria

• Nucleus

The chance of one thing happening out of total trials is called:

• Probability

• Possibility

• Certainty

• Frequency

The stronger gene of a homologous pair, usually represented by a capital letter, is called a:

• dominant gene

• recessive gene

• allele

• genotype

The weaker gene of a homologous pair that gets dominated by the dominant gene, usually represented by a lowercase letter, is called a:

• Dominant gene

• Recessive gene

• Allele

• Genotype

What term describes 2 different alleles for the same trait, with 1 capital and 1 lowercase letter?

• Homozygous

• Heterozygous

• Dominant

• Recessive

What term describes 2 identical alleles for the same trait, either two capital letters or two lowercase letters?

• Homozygous

• Heterozygous

• Dominant

• Recessive