Genetics and Biodiversity

Genetic Code

Sequence of nucleotides determining protein synthesis

Heredity

Passing traits from parent to offspring

Trait

Genetically determined characteristic variant

Alleles

Different forms of a trait

Chromosomes

Coiled DNA packets in cells

Gene

Biological unit of heredity

Homozygous

Organism with identical gene copies

True Breeding

Produces identical offspring when self-pollinated

Heterozygous

Organism with different gene alleles

Nucleotide

Molecules forming DNA and RNA building blocks

Codon

Three-base series coding for an amino acid

Dominant Trait

Trait covering recessive form

Recessive Trait

Trait masked by dominant allele

Punnett Square

Predicts possible offspring traits mathematically

Segregation

Separation of alleles during gamete formation

Phenotype

Organism's observable traits

Genotype

Genetic makeup of an organism

Probability

Branch of math predicting event likelihood

Punnett Squares

A tool used to predict results in genetics by determining the potential combinations of alleles in offspring.

Genetic Diversity

The variety of genes within a species.

Ecosystem Diversity

The range of different habitats and communities within an area.

Photosynthesis

The process by which producers use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Cellular Respiration

The process by which organic molecules are broken down to release energy for use by the cell.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

A unit of cellular energy that stores usable energy in its phosphate bonds.