Inheritance DNA

Haploid

Having a single set of unpaired chromosomes.

Gametes

Reproductive cells that unite during sexual reproduction to form a new cell.

Diploid Zygote

A fertilized egg containing two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

P Generation

The parental generation in a genetic cross.

F1 Generation

The first filial generation, offspring of the P generation.

F2 Generation

The second filial generation, offspring of the F1 generation.

Punnett Grid

A diagram that is used to predict the genotypes of a genetic cross.

Pollination

The transfer of pollen from the male part of a flower to the female part.

Self-Pollination

The process by which a flower fertilizes itself.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an organism.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a particular gene.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a particular gene.

Genes

Segments of DNA that code for proteins and determine traits.

Alleles

Different forms of a gene that exist at a specific locus.

Phenotype

The observable traits of an organism resulting from the genotype.

Dominant Allele

An allele that expresses its phenotype even in the presence of a recessive allele.

Recessive Allele

An allele that only expresses its phenotype when in the homozygous state.

Phenotypic Plasticity

The ability of an organism to change its phenotype in response to environmental influences.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

A genetic disorder caused by a mutation in an autosomal gene that prevents the metabolism of phenylalanine.

Incomplete Dominance

A situation in which the heterozygous phenotype is an intermediate between the two homozygous phenotypes.

Codominance

A form of inheritance where both alleles contribute to the phenotype.

Sex-linked

Traits associated with genes located on sex chromosomes.

Pedigree Chart

A diagram that shows the genetic history of a family.

Continuous Variation

Variation within a population where traits can take any value within a range.

Polygenic Inheritance

A mode of inheritance where multiple genes determine a trait.

Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)

Variations in a single nucleotide that occur at a specific position in the genome.

Genetic Crosses

Mating of two organisms to analyze the inheritance of traits.

Environmental Factors

External conditions that influence the expression of genes and phenotypes.

Blood Type

The classification of blood based on the presence of antigens on the surface of red blood cells.

Sex Chromosomes

Chromosomes that determine the sex of an individual, typically X and Y in humans.

Haemophilia

A sex-linked genetic disorder that affects blood clotting.

Inductive Reasoning

A method of reasoning in which a broad generalization is based on specific observations.

Deductive Reasoning

A logical process where a conclusion is based on the concordance of multiple premises.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are joined.

Trait

A characteristic or feature of an organism.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to genetic variation.

Gene Pool

The total collection of genes and alleles in a population.

Mendelian Inheritance

Inheritance patterns that follow the principles established by Gregor Mendel.

Genetic Disorder

A health problem caused by one or more abnormalities in the genome.

Quantitative Trait

A characteristic that is influenced by multiple genes and can be measured.