Genetics Vocab

Vocabulary for unit four of science

Genetics

the study of heredity

Heredity

ways in which genes are transferred to offspring

Chromosone

A structure found in the nucleus of a cell that contains the genetic information

Gene

a segment of dna

Allele

alternative form of a gene; can be dominant or recessive, one from each parent, found in pairs

Monohybrid Cross

crossing of parents to determine probability of traits of offspring

Trait

a specific characteristic

Genotype

genetic makeup of a trait

Phenotype

physical makeup of a trait

Dominant Trait

the trait that will always overpower the recessive trait; only one allele needs to be present to be expressed

Recessive Trait

trait that is masked when a dominant trait is present

Purebred

having the same form of a trait

Hybrid

having alleles for both forms of a trait

Fertilization

new organisms forms when sperm and egg cells join

Gamete

sex cells (you know that) that contain half the genetic information. Sperm is male and egg is female