Biology

B1

The entire genetic material of an organism

Genome

A thread-like structure of DNA that carries genetic information in the form of your genes

Chromosome

A length of DNA that codes for a particular protein

Gene

One of a number of different versions of a gene

Allele

The genetic makeup for an organism consisting of all the alleles present

Genotype

The observable features of an organism as a result of the expression of particular alleles of the gene and the interaction with the enviroment

Phenotype

A genotype where 2 alleles are the same

Homozygous

A genotype where 2 alleles are different

Heterozygous

An allele that is always expressed, even if there is only one copy present (capital letter)

Dominant

An allele only expressed when two copies are present (lowercase)

Recessive

A change in the DNA base sequence

Mutation

Organisms that are genetically identical

Clones

A ball of cells formed from a fertilised egg

Embryo

Sex cells that contain 23 chromosomes

Gametes

Modifying an organisms genome by inserting new genes

Genetic engineering

How traits are passed down from parents to offspring

Inheritance

XY chromosomes

Males

XX chromosomes

Females

Characteristics can be inherited (genetic)or caused by environment

Variation

Agents that cause infectious disease

Pathogens