Genetics Vocab Flashcards
Physical characteristic such as eye color
Trait
The passing of genetic traits from parent to offspring
Inheritance
the genetic makeup
genotype
same alleles for a specific trait
homozygous
the trait that is expressed represented by an uppercase letter
dominant
one or more versions of a gene
allele
a table of all possible outcomes for a genetic cross between two individual’s genotypes
Punnett square
different alleles for a particular trait
heterozygous
the trait that is hidden represented by a lowercase letter
recessive
the observable trait
phenotype
Genetic characteristics carried on the x chromosome
x-linked traits
The process in which organisms change over time
evolution
a person who has a specific gene for a trait but doesn’t show the trait itself
carrier
a scientist most famous for his theory on natural selection
Charles Darwin
random changes in an organisms genetic code that can create new traits
Mutation
how living things adapt and survive
natural selection
genetic condition where a individual has three copies of a chromosome instead of two
trisomy
a group of living organisms that can reproduce and make visible offspring
species
the process where organisms adapt to their environment
adaptation
the ability of an organism to reproduce and survive in it’s environment
fitness
process in which a single cell divides to form two identical cells
mitosis
segment of DNA that are located on chromosomes
gene
structures that house our genes
chromosomes
special kind of cell division that produces gametes
meiosis
carries the genetic information necessary for development and functioning of living things
DNA
branch of science that studies how traits are passed from parent to offspring
genetics
father of genetics, discovered laws of genetics
Gregor Mendel
reproductive cells (sperm and egg)
gamete
passing of traits from parent to offspring
heredity
the difference in traits among individuals in a population
genetic variation
