Vocab for understanding Mendel

Trait: Specific characteristic (seed color, plant height) Generally controlled by 2 alleles of a gene

Gene: Factors that determine traits (Sections of DNA)

Allele Different forms of a gene

Genotype: Combination of alleles inherited from parents

Phenotype: Physical appearance of the genotype (adjective) Ex/ purple petals, white petals, freckles, blonde hair, brown hair, dimples

Genotypes and Phenotypes can be found by determining the alleles that were passed down from the parents

Represented by a capital letter Dominant Allele: Produces a dominant phenotype in individuals who have at least one copy of the dominant allele Represented by a capital letter P = purple petal color

Represented by a lowercase letter Recessive Allele For a recessive allele to produce a recessive phenotype, the individual must have TWO copies of the recessive allele Represented by a lowercase letter p = white petal color

Heterozygous: Organisms that have two DIFFERENT alleles for the same trait (hybrid) The presence of the dominant allele will produce the dominant phenotype

Homozygous: Organisms that have two IDENTICAL alleles for a particular trait (purebred) The phenotype will be determined by whether they have two dominant alleles or two recessive alleles

Following traits through generations: P : Parent generation F1: 1st filial (1st set of offspring from parents) F2: 2nd filial (offspring of second generation)

Punnett Square: Grid that shows probable outcome of a genetic cross (fertilization)