Genetics: Year 10 Science

Inheritance: The passing on of traits or characteristics from parents to their offspring.

Trait: A specific characteristic or feature of an organism that can be inherited.

DNA: A molecule found in cells that contains the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms.

Gene: A segment of DNA that carries the instructions for a specific trait or characteristic.

Chromosome: A thread-like structure made up of DNA molecules that contain many genes. Chromosomes are found in the nucleus of cells.

Allele: One of the possible versions or variants of a gene that determines a specific trait.

Dominant: A trait that is expressed or observed when an individual has either one or two copies of the corresponding gene.

Recessive: A trait that is only observed or expressed when an individual has two copies of the corresponding gene.

Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism, represented by the combination of alleles it possesses.

Phenotype: The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, which are determined by its genotype.

Homozygous: Having two identical alleles for a particular gene.

Heterozygous: Having two different alleles for a particular gene.

Pure-bred: Refers to an organism that has two identical alleles for a particular trait and is produced by breeding individuals with the same or similar genetic backgrounds.

Hybrid: Refers to an organism that is the offspring of two parents with different genetic backgrounds or traits.

Punnett Square: A diagram used to predict the possible genetic outcomes or combinations of alleles in offspring based on the genotypes of the parents.

Incomplete Dominance: A type of inheritance where neither allele is completely dominant over the other, resulting in an intermediate phenotype when both alleles are present.

Codominance: A type of inheritance where both alleles are expressed and contribute to the phenotype, resulting in a combination or blending of traits.

Autosomal Inheritance: The inheritance of traits or genes that are located on autosomes, which are non-sex chromosomes.

Sex-linked: The inheritance of traits or genes that are located on the sex chromosomes (X or Y).

Mutation: A permanent alteration or change in the DNA sequence of a gene, which can result in different traits or characteristics.