Genes & Inheritance Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from a Grade 8 Genes & Inheritance lecture.

Chromosome

A thread-like structure contained in the nucleus of a cell.

Gene

Parts of a chromosome that help to determine a characteristic.

DNA

A chemical with molecules shaped like a twisted ladder; found in genes.

Inheritance

The passing on of DNA from parents to offspring.

Gamete

Specialized cells with half of chromosomes and join during reproduction to form a zygote

Fertilization

The fusion of the nucleus of a male gamete with the nucleus of a female gamete

Zygote

A new cell formed when male and female gamete join that also contain chromosomes of both

Inheritance

The passing of features from parents to their offspring.

Variation

The differences between living things, even in the same species

Species

A group of organisms that can reproduce with each other to produce viable offspring.

Environmental factors

Features that are affected by the surroundings.

Bar Chart/Frequency Diagram

A chart showing the frequency of different categories.

Natural Selection

A process when living things with helpful traits survive and pass those traits to their own off-spring.

Characteristic of a Sperm

Smallest cell in human body, makes a whipping motion with their tail to propel themselves, and they travel to the egg to fertilize it.

Characteristic of an Egg/Ovum

Biggest cell in human body, only one is released from oviduct from puberty to menopause, passively moves through oviduct by fluid.