Science 8 - Patterns of Inheritance: Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the Patterns of Inheritance notes.

Alleles

Different versions of a gene found at the same locus on homologous chromosomes.

Chromosome

Thread-like structures made of DNA that carry genetic information.

Genes

The fundamental units of heredity; DNA sequences that code for traits.

Dominant

A trait that is expressed when present, masking the other allele in a heterozygous pair.

Recessive

A trait that is expressed only when two recessive alleles are present and no dominant allele is present.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism—the alleles it inherits from its parents.

Phenotype

The observable traits of an organism, determined by genotype and environment.

Pedigree

A diagram showing a family's genetic history and how traits are transmitted across generations.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a gene.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a gene.

Mendelian Inheritance

The principles of inheritance described by Gregor Mendel, including dominance, segregation, and independent assortment.

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict the possible genotype combinations of offspring from a cross between two parents.

Genotypic Ratio

The proportion of different genotypes produced by a genetic cross.

Phenotypic Ratio

The proportion of different phenotypes produced by a genetic cross.

Monohybrid Cross

A genetic cross involving only one trait.

Dihybrid Cross

A genetic cross involving two different traits.

Probability

The likelihood or chance of a particular outcome, often expressed as a fraction or percentage.