Chapter 12 Vocabulary - Genetic Variation & Heredity

Question 1

Allele

Answer 1

One form of a gene with slightly different DNA sequence; may encode different versions of the gene’s product.

Question 2

Asexual Reproduction

Answer 2

A reproductive mode of eukaryotes by which offspring arise from a single parent only.

Question 3

Gamete

Answer 3

A mature, haploid reproductive cell; e.g. a sperm or an egg.

Question 4

Meiosis

Answer 4

Division of the cell nucleus that produces haploid cells; produces gametes in animals and spores in plants.

Question 5

Trait

Answer 5

A characteristic inherited by an offspring from its parent.

Question 6

Sexual Reproduction

Answer 6

Reproductive mode by which offspring arise from two parents and inherit genes from both.

Question 7

Mutagen

Answer 7

Any physical or chemical agent that is capable of producing mutations.

Question 8

Mutation

Answer 8

A permanent change in the DNA sequence of a chromosome.

Question 9

Dominant

Answer 9

An allele that is always expressed when it is present, regardless of whether it is homozygous or heterozygous.

Question 10

Genotype

Answer 10

The particular set of alleles that is carried by an individual’s chromosomes.

Question 11

Heterozygous

Answer 11

Possessing two different alleles of the same gene.

Question 12

Homozygous

Answer 12

Possessing a pair of identical alleles.

Question 13

Phenotype

Answer 13

An individual’s observable traits.

Question 14

Recessive

Answer 14

An allele that is not expressed in the heterozygous state.

Question 15

Codominance

Answer 15

an effect in which the full and separate phenotypic effects of two alleles are apparent in heterozygous individuals

Question 15

Incomplete Dominance

Answer 15

an inheritance pattern in which one allele is not fully dominant over another, so the heterozygous phenotype is an intermediate blend between the two homozygous phenotypes