Basis of Hereditary

Chromosome

A thread-like structure found in the nucleus of a cell that carries genetic information in the form of DNA

gene

Basic unit of hereditary, a specific segment of DNA that carries instructions for building proteins preforms most of the work in cells, crucial for health

Allele

A different version of a gene

DNA

The molecule inside Cells that contains the genetic instructions for a living organismis development and function

trait

A unique characteristic, quality, or tendency of a person or thing can be physical, behavioral, or inherited through genetics

Dominant

An allele that only needs one copy to be expressed as a trait

Recessive

An allele that requires two copies to be expressed

mutation

A permanent change in the DNA sequence of an organism

Clone

An organism or cell that is a genetically identical copy of another

Natural selection

The process where organisms with traits better suited for their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those advantageous traits to their off spring

Evolution

The process where living things change over many generations through change in their inherited traits

Homozygous dominant

An organism with two copies of the dominant allele will express the dominant trait

Heterozygous

An organism with one dominant and one recessive allele will express the dominant trait because the dominant allele masks the recessive trait

Homozygous recessive

An organism with two copies of the recessive allele will express the recessive trait

Genetic variation

Presence of differences in sequences of genes between individual organisms or species

Genome

All the genetic information of an organism or cell