Glossary Flashcards
Heterozygous
Describes an organism with a pair of genes, where each different allele (I.e. One dominant, one recessive)
Phenotype
The visible, as opposed to the genetic, characteristics of an organism.
Gene
A length of DNA coding for one protein
DNA replication
Process in which a DNA molecule ‘unzips’, then new bases are added to each side, and two identical molecules are formed
Allele
A ‘version’ of a gene. Each version codes for a different phenotype (e.g. Blue eyes, or brown)
Fertilization
It happens when a sperm and ovum come together, restoring the diploid number of chromosomes
Chromatids
Two identical copies of a chromosome, held together by the ‘ centromere’, just before division.
Homozygous
An organism whose alleles for a particular gene are both the same .
Mitosis
When a cell divides and produces two cells with identical chromosomes.
Recessive
An allele whose feature, e.g.blue eyes, is only seen when there are two copies (I.e. When homozygous).
Diploid
Describes a cell with two sets of chromosomes ( a set from each parent).
Nucleus
The part of a cell which contains chromosomes
Genes
They determine our inherited characteristics
Garnets
Sperms and ova (eggs)
Chromosome
Long strand of DNA, made up of many different genes. Only visible when tightly coiled.
