Genetics Vocabulary

Allele

Allele

The different forms of a gene (two versions: dominant & recessive)

Dominant Allele

An allele whose trait ALWAYS shows up in the organism when the allele is present

Recessive Allele

An allele that is masked/hidden when a dominant allele is present

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a trait

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a trait

Genotype

An organisms genetic makeup, or allele combinations

Phenotype

The physical traits that appear in an individual as a result of its genotype

Sex-linked Traits

Genes that reside ONLY on the X chromosome; more commonly found in males.
5 possible genotypes: XDXD, XDXd, XdXd, XDY, XdY

Heredity

Passing of traits from parent to offspring

Genetics

The study of heredity

Traits

Any characteristic that can be passed from parent to offspring

Gene

Section of DNA that codes for a protein

Kayotype

Image that depicts the total number (and pairs) of chromosomes from a dividing cell

Homologous Pairs

Pairs of chromosomes: same size, contain same type of genes, NOT identical to each other. Inherited from each parent.

Autosomes

Chromosomes that carry genes which determine the traits of an individual. Humans have 22 pairs of autosomes.

Sex Chromosomes

Pair of chromosomes that determine the biological sex of an individual.

Biological Female

XX

Biological Male

XY

Inherit

to receive genes from a parent