Mendelian Genetics Vocabulary

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to Mendelian Genetics, helping students understand key concepts in genetics.

Gene

A segment of DNA that codes for a protein, represented by two alleles, one from each parent.

Alleles

Different varieties or versions of a trait, represented by uppercase (dominant) or lowercase (recessive) letters.

Homozygous

An organism that has two identical alleles for a trait, either dominant or recessive.

Heterozygous

An organism that has two different alleles for a trait, one dominant and one recessive.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism; the combination of alleles for a particular trait.

Phenotype

The physical expression or outward appearance of a trait based on the genotype.

Law of Segregation

States that only one of the two gene copies is distributed to each gamete randomly during gamete formation.

Testcross

A genetic cross performed to determine the genotype of an organism showing a dominant phenotype by crossing it with a homozygous recessive individual.

Law of Independent Assortment

States that different genes are inherited independently of one another.

Monohybrid Cross

A genetic cross that examines the inheritance of a single trait.

Dihybrid Cross

A genetic cross that examines the inheritance of two traits simultaneously.

Punnett Square

A grid used to predict the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring from genetic crosses.