Genetics Terms and Definition

Question 1

Heredity

Answer 1

The passing on of physical and mental characteristics from parent to offspring through genetic material, also known as inheritance.

Question 2

Chromosome

Answer 2

Long, thread-like structures composed of DNA and proteins which carry an organism’s genetic information. Located in the nucleus.

Question 3

Gene

Answer 3

The unit of heredity which is transferred from parent to offspring located on a specific part of a chromosome. The specific sequence and code that determines the protein synthesized in the organism.

Question 4

Polygenic Trait

Answer 4

A trait that is influenced by more than one gene. “Many genes.”

Question 5

Pleiotropic

Answer 5

When one gene impacts two or more traits that are seemingly unrelated.

Question 6

Mendelian Trait

Answer 6

A trait that is controlled by a single gene in an organism. (ex. eye color)

Question 7

Allele

Answer 7

One of two or more forms that a gene can take. Different variations for specific characteristics are represented by different alleles or combinations of them.

Question 8

Dominant Allele

Answer 8

An allele that when present, masks any other allele. Only one is needed to show the trait.

Question 9

Recessive Allele

Answer 9

An allele that can be masked by a dominant allele. To show this trait, an organism needs two recessive alleles.

Question 10

Somatic Cell

Answer 10

Any typical body cell that is not a reproductive cell. They are diploid cells.

Question 11

Gamete

Answer 11

A mature sex cell that can unite with another form the opposite sex during reproduction. Sperm in males, egg in females, haploid cells.

Question 12

Diploid

Answer 12

A cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.