science 10 biology

science 10 vocabs

Genetics

The study of how inheritable characteristics pass from generation to generation.

Chromatin

Long, fibrous strands of DNA and proteins located inside the cell nucleus.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

A double-stranded macromolecule shaped like a twisted ladder that stores and transmits genetic information in living organisms.

Chromosome

A structured thread-like package of tightly folded chromatin found in the nucleus, carrying genes (a large structure made of DNA along with proteins).

Gene

A section of DNA containing instructions for making a specific protein, which determines a physical trait.

Allele

One of two or more alternative versions or variations of a specific gene.

Genetic Code

The set of chemical signals and sequence rules used to translate DNA information into functional biological units.

Genetic Testing

Medical analysis of DNA to identify specific genetic conditions or disorders.

Genetic Damage

Harm or mutations occurring within reproductive cells.

Replication

The biological process occurring during interphase where a cell creates an exact duplicate of its DNA.

Sexual Reproduction

Reproduction that combines genetic material from two parents, driven by meiosis.

Mitosis

Cell division resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that produces reproductive cells (gametes) with half the standard chromosome count.

Gametes

Specialized reproductive cells (sperm in males, egg cells in females) that carry genetic material to the next generation.

Embryo

An early developmental stage of an organism, spanning from initial fertilization through early growth phases (up to 9 weeks in humans).

Zygote

A diploid cell created when a male gamete and female gamete unite during fertilization.

Karyotype

A visual layout or image of an individual's complete set of chromosomes.

Homologous Chromosomes

Matched pairs of chromosomes carrying the same genes, with one inherited from each parent.

X Chromosome

A sex chromosome present in both sexes (females typically have two X chromosomes).

Y Chromosome

The sex chromosome that typically determines male biological development (males typically have one X and one Y).

Trait

A specific physical or functional characteristic of an organism (such as flower color or eye color).

P Generation

The initial parent generation in a genetic cross.

F₁ Generation

The first filial generation; the direct offspring produced by crossing the P generation.

F₂ Generation

The second filial generation; offspring resulting from crossing or self-pollinating the F₁ generation.

Purebred

An organism that consistently passes down the same inherited traits over generations.

Hybrid

Offspring produced by crossing parents with different traits or genetic backgrounds.

Dominant

An allele or trait that fully expresses its phenotype even when paired with a different allele in a hybrid.

Recessive

A trait masked or not visually expressed when paired with a dominant allele in a hybrid.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a specific gene (e.g., PP or pp).

Heterozygous

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

Homozygous Dominant

Carrying two copies of the dominant allele (e.g., PP).

Homozygous Recessive

Carrying two copies of the recessive allele (e.g., pp).

Punnett Square

A grid diagram used to calculate and predict the probable genetic outcomes of a cross.

Genotype

The specific genetic makeup or combination of alleles an organism possesses.

Genotypic Ratio

The mathematical ratio comparing the occurrence of different genotypes among offspring.

Phenotype

The observable physical characteristics or expressed traits of an organism.

Phenotypic Ratio

The mathematical ratio comparing the occurrence of different physical traits among offspring.

Codominance

An inheritance pattern where both alleles are fully and distinctly expressed in the heterozygous offspring.

Complete Dominance

An inheritance pattern where the dominant allele completely masks the recessive allele.

Incomplete Dominance

An inheritance pattern where the heterozygous phenotype is a blend or intermediate expression of both parental traits.

Intermediate Phenotype

A blended physical trait that appears in offspring when dominance is incomplete.

Monohybrid Cross

A genetic cross between individuals to track the inheritance pattern of a single trait.

Sex Linkage

The pattern of inheritance for genes located specifically on sex chromosomes.