BIOLOGY - Genetics and DNA Glossary

Question 1

Alleles

Answer 1

Different versions of the same gene

Question 2

Asexual reproduction

Answer 2

Reproduction that only has one parent, offspring will be identical, no gametes.

Question 3

Carrier

Answer 3

Person that doesn’t show symtoms but carry a disease which they can pass onto other people and offspring.

Question 4

Chromosomes

Answer 4

Found in nucleus of cell. We have 46 of them (Theodor’s got 48)

Question 5

Clones

Answer 5

Genetically identical to parents.

Question 6

Continuous variation

Answer 6

A feature that can vary, like height and weight.

Question 7

Cystic fibrosis

Answer 7

Inherited disease that results in the procution of too much thick, sticky mucus.

Question 8

Denatured

Answer 8

A term used to describe the altering of the active site on an enzyme. Making something unnatural.

Question 9

Discontinuous variation

Answer 9

Variation with limited options, like tongue rolling (you can either do it, or you can’t)

Question 10

DNA

Answer 10

Deoxyribonucleic acid, found inside the nucleus. Carries genetic information.

Question 11

Dominant gene

Answer 11

Gene that shows up as characteristic in an organism (dark hair for example)

Question 12

Double Helix

Answer 12

The twisted shape that DNA takes

Question 13

Endangered

Answer 13

A species is endangered if there are only a few of them left in the world.

Question 14

Enzymes

Answer 14

Biological catalysts that assist in chemical reactions.

Question 15

Extinct

Answer 15

There are no more of these organisms left in the world.

Question 16

Gametes

Answer 16

Sex cells

Question 17

Genes

Answer 17

Made up of DNA. Control an organism’s characteristics

Question 18

Gene bank

Answer 18

A store of genetic information to help prevent extinction.

Question 19

Genetic engineering

Answer 19

Changing an organism’s characteristics by changing a gene.

Question 20

Genetics

Answer 20

Study of genes

Question 21

Genotype

Answer 21

Description of genes of an organism

Question 22

Heredity

Answer 22

The passing of genes from parents to offspring

Question 23

Natural selection

Answer 23

Term created my Charles Darwin. Organisms with the most suited characteristics survive, reproduce and pass on their genes to the next generation.

Question 24

Nucleus

Answer 24

Central part of cell. Contains chromosomes and genes.

Question 25

Phenotype

Answer 25

Appearance/Visual characteristics of an individual.

Question 26

Polydactyly

Answer 26

Inheri ted condition in which a person has an extra toe or finger. Caused by a dominant gene.

Question 27

Punnett square

Answer 27

A diagram used to predict outcome of a particular genetic cross.

Question 28

Recessive

Answer 28

Less dominant gene. Only shows if two alleles meet in a Punnett square.

Question 29

Selective breeding

Answer 29

When humans develop traits in animals’ offspring by letting certain animals reproduce.

Question 30

Sexual reproduction

Answer 30

Reproduction that involves gametes and leads to variation in offspring.

Question 31

Variation

Answer 31

Differences between individuals of the same species.