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Trait

characteristics that distinguish one organism from another (have many variations)

Inherited Traits

Traits you are born with

Acquired Traits

modification in structure or function acquired by an organism during its life

Variations

Any difference between individuals of the same species.

Species

All organisms that can mate with one another and produce viable offspring

Heredity

the passing down of traits from one generation to another (parents to offspring)

Genetics

The study of how traits are passed down

DNA

A molecule containing the genetic information that carries instructions for traits

Chromosomes

Compressed (squeezed together) DNA in the cell is a chromosome

Pedigree

A chart or "family tree" that tracks which members of a family have a particular trait

generation

one step in the line of descent of a family

sickle cell anemia

a genetic disorder that causes abnormal hemoglobin, resulting in some red blood cells assuming an abnormal sickle shape

genetic counseling

process that helps individuals and families who are at risk for an inherited disease to determine the probability of the disease occurring as well as helping to understand the disease and how to deal with it.

Phenotype

What you see (the physical appearance)

Genotype

What your genes say (allele combination)

Gene

Section of DNA that controls a trait

Allele

Variation of a gene

Dominant Allele

A gene that is always expressed

Recessive Allele

A gene that can be masked by a dominant gene

Homozygous

The same genotype

Heterozygous

Different genotype