Inheritance Flashcards
Allele
Different versions of the same gene
Amino acid
Small repeating units which make up protein
Chromosome
A long section of DNA containing lots of genes
DNA
The chemical which makes up the genetic material of an organism
Dominant
An allele which will always be expressed
Double helix
The spiral shape of DNA
Environmental variation
Differences caused by environmental factors
Gamete
Sex cell, e.g. egg, sperm, pollen
Gene
A short section of DNA which codes for a protein
Genome
All of the genetic material of an organism
Genotype
The set of alleles in an organism
Heterozygous
Two different alleles for the same characteristic
Homozygous
Two identical alleles for the same characteristic
Inherited variation
Differences caused by genes passed on from parent to offspring
Meiosis
Cell division which produces gametes
Phenotype
The physical result of a combination of alleles
Polymer
A large molecule made up of many repeating units
Recessive
An allele which is only expressed if two are present
Sex chromosome
A chromosome which determines the sex of the organism
Sex determination
The inheritance of two alleles which causes male or female offspring
Trait
A characteristic of an organism
Variation
Differences between individuals
Genotype for a male
XY
Genotype of a female
XX
