Genetics

Question 1

Somatic Cells

Answer 1

body cells which carry out life processes and are not used for sexual reproduction
Ex: skin cells, liver cells

Question 2

Inherited Traits

Answer 2

a trait that organisms are born with; it is passed down genetically from parents to offspring
Ex: eye color

Question 3

Punnett Square

Answer 3

Tool to find out how likely it is that certain features will show up in the offspring

Question 4

Recessive

Answer 4

the allele whose trait is hidden by the dominant trait. An organism needs two copies of this trait to show it.
Ex: red hair

Question 5

Homozygous

Answer 5

a gene that has two alleles that are the same
Ex: BB, bb

Question 6

Gamete

Answer 6

a sex cell
Ex: sperm or egg

Question 7

Allele

Answer 7

a type of gene; there can be more than one type.
Ex: the genes for blue eyes

Question 8

Genotype

Answer 8

the genetic makeup of an organism for a trait

Question 9

Fertilization

Answer 9

when two gametes (sex cells) come together to make a zygote. The zygote has a full set of genes.

Question 10

Gene

Answer 10

a section of a chromosome that codes for a unique trait

Question 11

Polygenic Traits

Answer 11

Traits that are connected with many genes
Ex: eye color

Question 12

Meiosis

Answer 12

gamete production. Cells divide into four nuclei. This creates four gametes with half the parent cell’s chromosomes.

Question 13

DNA

Answer 13

DNA is a type of nucleic acid and all living things’ genetic code. This molecule, which is in the shape of a double helix, is the genetic map that tells creatures what traits they have.

Question 14

Mitosis

Answer 14

When a cell’s nucleus splits in half, it makes two new cells with the same amount of chromosomes as the parent cell. This is called the cell cycle.

Question 15

Dominant

Answer 15

genes that hide the other trait when they are present
Ex: hair black

Question 16

RNA

Answer 16

A type of nucleic acid that performs many roles within the cell

Question 17

Acquired Behaviors / Learned Responses

Answer 17

Behaviors learned from parents or situations.

Question 18

Nucleic Acids

Answer 18

The biomolecule that makes DNA and RNA. The genetic information of an organism is made up of the exact order of nucleic acids (the monomer).

Question 19

Zygote

Answer 19

the product of fusing male and female gametes during the process of fertilization

Question 20

Inherited Behaviors / Instinctual Responses / Behavioral Adaptations / Innate Responses

Answer 20

innate traits. The organism behaves without parental instruction or environmental learning.

Question 21

Phenotype

Answer 21

the physical appearance of an organism reflecting the specific genotype
Ex: brown eyes

Question 22

Monogenic Traits

Answer 22

Traits that are connected with a single gene

Question 23

Heterozygous

Answer 23

a genotype that contains two different alleles
Ex: Bb