7 Heredity

Heredity

the passing of traits to offspring from its parents

Genetics

science or study of heredity

Genes

the molecular unit of heredity, segments of DNA found in chromosomes that give instructions for producing a certain characteristic

Traits

a distinguishing quality or characteristic

DNA

molecule that encodes the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of ALL living organisms, found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells

Genotype

combination of alleles that you inherit from your parents (Two letter code! AA, Aa, aa)

Phenotype

observable traits (What you see! Blue eyes or Brown eyes)

Dominant Trait

phenotype shows if 1 or 2 copies are present in the genotype. Capital letter! (BB, Bb)

Recessive Trait

phenotype ONLY shows when 2 copies are present. Lowercase letters. (bb)

Codominant

both alleles in the heterozygous individual contribute to the phenotype. (A and B make AB)

Allele

different versions of the same gene

Homozygous

same (AA or aa)

Heterozygous

different (Aa)

Punnett Square

shows possible combinations of offspring, and the probability these combinations will occur

Pedigree

shows a family tree there traits can be tracked from parent to offspring

Complete Dominance

one allele is dominant, one allele is recessive

Hybrid

Another way to say heterozygous (Aa)

Pure

Another way to say homozygous (AA or aa)

Carrier

Someone how has the allele for a trait that they do not show. (Heterozygous - they have the recessive trait but you don't see it in the phenotype, you only see the dominant variation)