Gene

A section of DNA that contain instructions for a trait or protein

Allele

A version of a gene

Locus

Specific location of a gene on a chromosome

Evolution

Change in a kind of organism over time; process by which modern organisms have descended from ancient organisms.

Chromosome

-Made up tightly packed DNA -46 chromosomes 23 from Mom and Dad

Diploid

2 sets of chromosomes. One from each parent

DNA Sequence

Information of DNA stored in the order of its chemical letters A,T,C,G

Chromosome #

The number of chromosomes typical for a given species

Autosomes

1-22 chromosome pairs -carry genes for all pairs except sex chromosomes

Nucleotides

Serve as the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA

Haploid

-only 1 set of chromosomes -1/2 normal amount, 23 in humans

Homologous Chromosomes

-similar chromosomes that carry the same kind of genes in the same location - not identical, may carry different versions of same gene

Cell

Basic unit of life

Heredity

The passing of traits from parents to offspring

Sperm cell

male reproductive cell

Generation

a group of people born and living during the same time

Biological trait

Characteristic based on physical and genetic markers.

Variation

differences in physical traits of an individual from the group to which it belongs

Offspring

Product of reproduction, a new organism produced by one or more parents

Histone Protein

A simple protein bound to DNA, involved in the coiling of chromosomes

46 chromosomes

-arranged in 23 pairs -amount if chromosomes in human body

23 pairs

46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs

Body cells

Any cells in the body other than reproductive cells

Sex cells

special cells that contain half the number of chromosomes as body cells

DNA stands for

Deoxyriboneucleic acid: found mainly in the nucleus

Dominant Trait

a genetic factor that blocks another genetic factor

Carrier

A person who has one recessive allele for a trait, but does not have the trait.

Hybrid

An organism that has two different alleles for a trait

Genotype

genetic makeup of an organism

Pheonotype

the set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.

Incomplete Dominance

Situation in which one allele is not completely dominant over another allele

Mutation

A change in a gene or chromosome.

Purebred

the offspring of many generations that have the same traits

Co-Dominance

situation in which both alleles of a gene contribute to the phenotype of the organism

Selective Breeding

The process of selecting a few organisms with desired traits to serve as parents of the next generation

Recessive Trait

a genetic factor that is blocked by the presence of a dominant factor

Sexual Reproduction

A reproductive process that involves two parents that combine their genetic material to produce a new organism, which differs from both parents

Genetic Trait

genetic trait is any specific characteristic or feature of an organism that is determined by its DNA and passed down from parents to offspring through genes. Traits can influence everything from how you look to how your body functions.

Simple and Complex Traits

Simple: Albinism, cleft chin, attached or detached earlobes. Complex: Height, skin colour, eye colour, intelligence and personality

Dominant Trait

A dominant trait is one that will always show up (be expressed) if at least one copy of that allele is present.

Recessive Trait

A recessive trait is one that is hidden or masked when a dominant allele is present. It will only show up if no dominant allele is there to override it.

Why do offspring often resemble their parents but do not look exactly the same?

They inherit mixed information from both parents.

Biological Traits

Features or characteristics of a living thing

What is the order of generations in genetics?

P, F1, F2

Biology

the scientific study of life

Cell Cycle

Repeated pattern of growth, cell division, growth, cell division etc.

Daughter Cells

Daughter cells are the brand-new cells that are formed when a single cell (called the parent cell) divides

Cell Specialization

Cell specialization (also called cell differentiation) is the process where generic, basic cells change into specific types of cells with unique jobs to do.

Crossing Over

Crossing over is when matching chromosomes line up and swap pieces of DNA during meiosis

Independent Assortment

Independent segregation of genes during the formation of gametes