Unit 7 Vocab Log – Genetics
Term
Inherit
Chromosomes
Definition
To derive a quality, characteristic, or predisposition
genetically from one's parents or ancestors.
Thread-like structures located inside the nucleus of animal
and plant cells. Each chromosome is made of protein and a
single molecule of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
Genes
A gene is the molecular unit of heredity of a living
organism. Genes, which are made up of DNA, act as
instructions to make molecules called proteins.
Allele
A number of alternative forms of the same gene.
Sometimes, different alleles can result in different
observable phenotypic traits, such as different
pigmentation.
Genetics
The study of genes, heredity, and variation in living
organisms.
Traits
A distinguishing quality or characteristic that can be
passed from parent to offspring.
Illustration
Dominant
Trait/Gene
One allele is expressed over a second allele at the same
locus; the first allele is dominant and the second allele is
recessive.
Term
Definition
Recessive
Trait/Gene
A trait that must be contributed by both parents in order
to appear in the offspring; a genetic trait that results
from the expression of the two recessive alleles.
1.
Heterozygous
(Hybrid)
When the alleles of a pair are heterozygous, one is
dominant and the other is recessive.
Homozygous
(Pure)
Having identical pairs of genes for any given pair of
hereditary characteristics.
Punnett Square
A simple graphical way of discovering all of the potential 1.
combinations of genotypes that can occur in children, given
the genotypes of their parents. It also shows us the odds
of each of the offspring genotypes occurring.
Offspring
The product of reproduction of a new organism produced
by one or more parents.
Gregor Mendel
The founder of the modern science of genetics; Mendel coined
the terms “recessive” and “dominant” in reference to certain
traits. (In the preceding example, green peas are recessive and
yellow peas are dominant.) He published his work in 1866,
Illustration
demonstrating the actions of invisible “factors”—now called
genes—in providing for visible traits in predictable ways.