Inheritance - Biology

Created 9th May

What are chromosomes?

Thread-like structures made of DNA, found in the nucleus of cells.

How many chromosomes do humans have in total?

46 chromosomes (23 pairs).

What' is inheritance in Biology?

The process by which genetic information is passed from parents to offspring.

What is DNA?

A molecule that carries genetic instructions for all living things.

What is a gene?

A small section of DNA that codes for a specific trait or protein.

What is an allele?

A different version of a gene.

What does "dominant allele" mean?

An allele that is always expressed in the organism’s appearance if present.

What does "recessive allele" mean?

An allele that is only expressed if the organism has two copies of it.

What is a Punnett square?

A grid used to show the possible combinations of alleles from parents.

What does "heterozygous" mean?

Having two different alleles for a gene (e.g., Bb).

What does "homozygous" mean?

Having two identical alleles for a gene (e.g., BB or bb).

What is a genotype?

The genetic makeup of an individual (e.g., BB, Bb, or bb).

What is a phenotype?

The physical traits or appearance of an organism.

Who is Gregor Mendel?

A scientist who discovered how traits are inherited through experiments with pea plants.

What are inherited traits?

Traits passed down genetically from parents (e.g., eye colour).

What are environmental traits?

Traits influenced by surroundings, not genes (e.g., accent, scars).

Can some traits be both inherited and environmental?

Yes, like height, which depends on both genes and nutrition.