7th Grade Life Science Unit 4: Genetics Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering the key vocabulary terms and definitions related to genetics, designed to aid in studying and understanding the subject material.

Alleles

Alternative forms of a gene that result in different traits.

Artificial selection/Selective Breeding

The process of intentionally choosing and breeding organisms with desirable traits to produce offspring with those traits.

Asexual reproduction

A type of reproduction that involves only one parent, and the offspring are genetically identical to the parent.

Chromosomes

Thread-like structures found in the nucleus of cells that carry genetic information in the form of DNA.

Dominant allele

An allele that is observed as a trait when present in either one or both copies in an individual's genotype.

DNA

Molecule present in all living things; contains the genetic information that determines the traits that an organism inherits.

Fertilization

Joining of male and female gametes (sex cells) to form a new individual.

Gametes

Reproductive cells, such as sperm and eggs, that carry half the number of chromosomes found in other cells of an organism.

Gene

Segment of DNA that determines the traits of an organism.

Genetics

Branch of biology that studies how traits are inherited from one generation to the next.

Genotype

Genetic makeup of an organism and is written in the form of letters.

Heredity

The passing on of traits from parents to offspring through genetic information.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a particular gene.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a particular gene.

Hybrid

Offspring resulting from the breeding of two different individuals.

Meiosis

Cell division producing gametes with half the number of chromosomes.

Mitosis

Cell division that results in the formation of two identical daughter cells.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence of a gene or chromosome.

Phenotype

Observable physical characteristics of an organism.

Probability

The extent to which an event is likely to occur.

Purebred

An organism that has a homozygous genotype for a particular trait.

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict the possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring resulting from a cross between two individuals.

Recessive Allele

An allele that is expressed as a trait only when present in two copies (homozygous recessive) in an individual's genotype.

Selective breeding

Intentionally breeding organisms with desirable traits.

Sexual reproduction

A type of reproduction that involves the joining of gametes from two parents to produce offspring.

Trait

Specific characteristic of an organism that can be inherited or acquired.

Inherited trait

A trait that is passed down from parents to offspring through genetic information.

Acquired trait

A trait that is not inherited but is developed or acquired during an individual's lifetime.

Variation

Differences among individuals of the same species.

Offspring

New individuals that are produced as a result of reproduction.

Karyotype

A visual representation of an individual's chromosomes arranged in pairs according to their size and shape.

Pedigree

A diagram that shows the genetic relationships within a family over multiple generations.

Sex-linked

Traits or genes that are located on the sex chromosomes (X and Y).

Dihybrid

A cross involving two different traits or genes.

Monohybrid

A cross involving a single trait or gene.

Codominance

When both alleles of a gene are fully expressed in the phenotype of an individual.

Genome

The complete set of genetic material present in an organism.

Clone/Cloning

The process of creating an identical copy of an organism or a specific gene.

Incomplete dominance

A form of inheritance in which one allele for a specific trait is not completely expressed over its paired allele.

Gene Therapy

A medical technique that aims to treat or prevent disease by modifying a patient's genes.