Heredity, Reproduction and Growth

Nucleus

A part of the cell containing DNA and RNA and responsible for growth and reproduction

Allele

Different forms of a gene

gene variation

Differences among individuals in the design of their gene or other DNA segments.

Mutation

a random error or change in DNA that leads to a change, that can be positive or negative

offspring

Product of reproduction, a new organism produced by one or more individuals

Genotype

genetic makeup of an organism

Phenotype

The observable traits of an organism that result from the genotype.

Chromosomes

threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes

asexual reproduction

Process by which a single individual reproduces an offspring

sexual reproduction

Process by which male and female gametes of the same species combine to make a new organism.

Homozygous pair

When two alleles in a pair are the same (both dominant or recessive).

heterozygous pair

When two alleles in a pair are different (one is dominant, and one is recessive).

Trait

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

dominant trait

a genetic factor that overpowers another genetic factor

recessive trait

a genetic factor that is overpowered by the presence of a dominant factor. Only expressed if two traits are the same

limiting factor

An environmental factor that prevents a population from increasing

DNA

A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes.

Punnett Square

A chart that shows all the possible combinations of alleles that can result from sexual reproduction

Gametes

reproductive cells (ex: sperm and egg )

Gene

A segment of DNA on a chromosome that is responsible for a specific trait

Heredity

Passing of traits from parents to offspring

Genetics

The scientific study of heredity