science vocab test

Allele

Variations of genes that determine traits in organisms; the two corresponding alleles on paired chromosomes constitute a gene

Chromosome

A structure made of coiled DNA that transfers hereditary information to the next generation

DNA

A molecule that contains an organism’s genetic information

Dominant

A form of gene that is expressed as the trait when a dominant allele is present

Feature

A structure, characteristic, or behavior of an organism, such as eye color, plant height, or timing of migration

Gene

The basic unit of heredity carried by the chromosomes; codes for proteins which determine the traits of an organism

Generation

Offspring that are at the same stage of the descent from a common ancestor

Genome

an organism’s complete set of DNA

Genotype

an organisms particular genetic make up

Heredity

the passing of traits from parent to offspring

Heterozygous

a gene composed of two different alleles(a dominant and a recessive)

Homozygous

a gene composed of two identical alleles

Inherited characteristics

A genetic trait that an ancestor passes on to its descendants

Characteristic

a trait that helps identify an organism

Phenotype

The traits produced by the genotype; the expression of genes

Population

All the individuals of one kind and a specified area at one time

Protein

a molecule that is part of cells and cell structures; determines the traits of an organism

Recessive

A form of a gene that is expressed only when a dominant Allele is not present

Trait

The specific way a feature is expressed in an individual; for example, blue and green eyes are traits for eye color

Variation

The range of expression of a trait within a population

Filal

Related to sons and daughters

Inheritance

The passing on of genetic traits from parents

Punnett Square

A mathematical model that predicts the probability of possible genotypes and the phenotypes resulting from a genetic cross

Cladogram

An evolutionary tree diagram based on shared characteristics

Common ancestor

An organism from the past, that is related to all the organisms in the group

Descendant

an organism related to an organism that lived earlier

Limitations

The quality of being restricted, such as what information is being shown in a model

Most recent common ancestor

The first organism from the past, that is related to all the organisms in the group

Related

Belonging to the same group or family; connected by common ancestry

Species

a group of organisms that can enterbreed or pass on its genes to following generations