Genetics Vocabulary List

Gregor Mendel

An Austrian monk known as the 'father of genetics,' who published findings on inheritance patterns in pea plants in 1866.

Heterozygous

An organism with two different alleles for a particular gene (e.g., Aa).

Autosomal

Refers to genes located on any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome.

Chromatin

The form that DNA takes when loosely wrapped around histones, allowing for gene expression.

Epigenetics

The study of changes in gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in DNA sequence.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains the instructions to make a specific protein.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism, representing the combination of alleles for a given gene.

Allele

A version of a gene that arises through mutations altering the DNA sequence.

Codominant

A relationship where both alleles are expressed equally (e.g., AB blood type).

Dominant

An allele that masks the effect of a recessive allele in a heterozygous genotype.

Incomplete Dominant

A relationship where a blending of traits occurs in heterozygous individuals.

Recessive

An allele that is only expressed in the absence of a dominant allele.

Histones

Proteins that DNA winds around to organize and compact the genetic material.

Homozygous

An organism with two identical alleles for a particular gene (e.g., AA or aa).

Mendelian Trait

A trait that follows Mendel's laws of inheritance with dominant and recessive alleles.

Non-Mendelian Trait

Traits that do not follow Mendel's inheritance patterns.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics of an organism, influenced by its genotype and environmental factors.

Sex Chromosomes

Chromosomes that determine an individual's sex; typically XY for males and XX for females.