Heredity – the passing of traits from parents to offspring.
Genetics – the study of heredity
DNA – cellular material with all the information about what traits a
living thing may have
Chromosome – thread like structures that organize DNA, each
chromosome is a long DNA molecule (about 1.5 meters!)
Gene – part of the DNA molecule that carries a specific trait
(composed of 2 alleles) (ex. flower color)
Allele – location on a chromosome that affect characteristics of
organisms (ex. white or purple)
Mitosis – division of the nucleus in somatic (body) cells
Meiosis – cell division that results in the production of sex cells; egg
and sperm that have half the number of usual chromosomes
Inherited trait – a trait (characteristic) that is passed on from a
parent to offspring
Dominant trait – a ‘stronger’ trait (only need one allele with this trait
for it to be passed to offspring)
Recessive trait – a ‘weaker’ trait ( you need two alleles with this trait
for it to be passed on to offspring