Inheritance & Variance Traits Vocabulary
Allele One of a pair of genes that determine a specific trait
Chromosome A structure located in the nucleus of a cell, made of DNA, that contains the genetic information needed to carry out cell functions and make new cells.
Dominant Trait In a pair of alleles, the one that, if present, determines the trait
Genotype The set of genes carried by an organism
Heredity Passing of traits from one generation to another
Heterozygous Refers to having two different alleles for a specific gene
Homozygous Having identical pairs of genes for any given pair of hereditary characteristics.
Mutation A random change in a gene
Phenotype The physical appearance of an organism
Proteins A class of organic compounds found in living things that are essential for life
Punnett Square A table used to predict what traits offspring will have, based on what traits the parents have
Recessive Trait In a pair of alleles, the one that is masked if a dominant allele is present
Traits Trait is a characteristic you inherit or a distinguishing characteristic or feature.