Biology Definitions (Genetics, variation, evolution, cloning and GM)

Inheritance

the transmission of genetic information from generation to generation

Chromosomes

A thread of DNA, made up of a string of genes

Gene

A length of DNA that is the unit of heredity and codes for a specific protein.

Locus

position of a gene on a chromosome

Allele

Any two or more alternative forms of a gene

Haploid

a nucleus containing a single set of unpaired chromosomes

Diploid

a nucleus containing two sets of chromosomes

sex chromosomes

X and Y chromosomes that determine the sex of an individual

Allele

An alternative form of a gene.

Genotype

genetic makeup of an organism in terms of the alleles present

Phenotype

physical characteristics of an organism

Variation

differences between individuals of the same species

Discontinuous variation

caused by genetics alone and the characteristic will fall 'easily' into distinct categories

continuous variation

usually caused by both genes and the environment and is usually polygenic

genetic engineering

moving a gene from an organism of one species organism of another

transgenic organism

contains DNA/genetic material from a different species

Clones

genetically identical organisms