AP Psych Unit 2.2 Vocab

dominant

dominant

An allele whose genetic instructions are followed regardless of the other alleles present. If there is a dominant allele in the gene pair, the instructions of the dominant allele will be followed.

gene

A segment of DNA located at a specific site on a chromosome. Genes contain instructions, or "blueprints," for the synthesis of proteins that make up all of the necessary structures and functions of the body.

genotype

An individual's entire set of genes. This is differentiated from phenotype, which is the outward expression of the genotype.

mutation

A permanent change in the genetic makeup of an organism.

nature-nurture

A question, issue, or controversy about how much can be attributed to heredity (nature) and how much to the environment (nurture) in the development of a person; this includes personality, intelligence, abilities, and mental health.

phenotype

The physical expression of the genetic instructions contained in the genotype.

recessive

An allele whose genetic instructions are only followed if there is no dominant allele present in the pair.