Chapter 10 Vocab Flashcards
heredity
the passing of traits from parent to offspring
gene
a unit of instructions located on a chromosome that produces or influences a specific trait in the offspring
chromosome
threads of genetic material found in the nucleus of cells
DNA
deoxyribonucleic acid, a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information.
dominant
used to describe the gene that determines the expression of a genetic trait; the trait shows up even when the gene is present as a single copy
recessive
used to describe the gene that is overruled by a dominate gene; the trait is masked
genotype
the genes of an individual
phenotype
the observable traits of an organism that result because of the interaction of genes and the environment
mutation
the changing of the structure of a gene, and abnormality in your genes
genetic disorder
the result of changes, or mutations, in an individual’s DNA. A mutation is a change in the letters (DNA sequence) that make up a gene.
theory
a proven and generally accepted truth
hypothesis
a statement that can be proved or disproved by experimental or observational evidence
evolution
a gradual change in the characteristics of a population or organisms during successive generations, as a result of natural selection acting on genetic variation
natural selection
the differences in survival and reproduction among members of a population
artificial selection
The breeding of plants and animals to produce desirable traits.
