Alleles | Different versions of the same gene that can result in different traits. |
Artificial selection (selective breeding) | when humans choose which plants or animals to breed to get desired traits in their offspring. |
Asexual reproduction | A type of reproduction that involves only one parent, and the offspring are genetically identical to the parent. |
Chromosomes | Tiny structures found in the nucleus of cells that carry genetic information in the form of DNA. They contain genes, which are the basic units of heredity. |
Dominant allele | An allele that is expressed or observed when present in either one or both copies in an individual's genotype. It masks the expression of a recessive allele. |
DNA | Molecule present in all living things; contains the genetic information that determines what traits an organism will have. |
Fertilization | Fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote. |
Gametes | Reproductive cells, such as sperm and eggs, that have half the usual number of chromosomes. |
Gene | A small segment (piece) of DNA that gives instructions for a specific trait, like eye color or height. |
Genetics | The study of how traits are passed down from parents to offspring (heredity). |
Genotype | The genetic makeup of an organism for a particular trait. Usually written as letters, like "Bb" or "AA". |
Heredity | Heredity is the passing on of traits from parents to offspring through genetic information. |
Heterozygous | Having two different alleles of a gene for a trait. One allele is dominant and the other is recessive. |
Homozygous | Having two of the same versions (alleles) of a gene for a trait. It can be either homozygous dominant (two dominant alleles) or homozygous recessive (two recessive alleles). |
Hybrid | An offspring that comes from parents with different traits. Also known as heterozygous. |
Meiosis | Cell division producing gametes with half the number of chromosomes. |
Mitosis | The process of cell division that results in the formation of two identical daughter cells. |
Mutation | A change in DNA that can create new traits. |
Phenotype | The physical characteristics of an organism. |
Purebred | An organism that has two of the same alleles for a particular trait. It means that both alleles for the trait are the same, either dominant or recessive. Also known as homozygous. |
Punnett Square | A diagram that helps predict what traits offspring might have based on their parents' genes. |
Recessive Allele | An allele that is expressed (shows up) only when there are two copies of it (homozygous recessive). It is masked (hidden) by a dominant allele. |
Selective breeding | Intentionally breeding organisms with desirable traits. See artificial selection. |
Sexual reproduction | Type of reproduction that involves the fusion of gametes from two parents to produce offspring. |
Trait | A trait is a specific characteristic or feature of an organism. |
Inherited trait | A trait that is passed down from parents to offspring through genes. |
Acquired trait | A trait that an organism gets during its life, not from its genes. |
Variation | Differences between individuals of the same type of organism. |
Nucleus | An organelle that contains the cell’s DNA. |
Offspring | New individuals that are produced as a result of reproduction. |
Probability | The chance or likelihood that a certain event will occur |
Clone/Cloning | The process of creating an identical copy of an organism or gene. |
Codominance | When both alleles of a gene are fully expressed in the phenotype of an individual. |
Genome | All of the genetic material (DNA) in an organism. |
Karyotype | A picture of all the chromosomes in a cell, arranged by size and shape. |
Pedigree | A family tree that shows how genetic traits are passed down through generations. |
Sex-linked | Traits or genes that are connected to the sex chromosomes |
Dihybrid | A cross involving two different traits. |
Monohybrid | A cross involving a single trait. |
Gene therapy | A medical treatment that tries to fix or replace faulty genes to treat or prevent genetic disorders. |
Incomplete dominance | When neither version of a gene is completely dominant, resulting in a blend of the two traits. |
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