1. Inheritance & Variance Traits Vocabulary

2. Allele
One of a pair of genes that determine a specific trait

3. 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.

4. Dominant Trait
In a pair of alleles, the one that, if present, determines the trait

5. Genotype
The set of genes carried by an organism

6. Heredity
Passing of traits from one generation to another

7. Heterozygous
Refers to having two different alleles for a specific gene

8. Homozygous
Having identical pairs of genes for any given pair of hereditary characteristics.

9. Mutation
A random change in a gene

10. Phenotype
The physical appearance of an organism

11. Proteins
A class of organic com­pounds found in living things that are essential for life

12. Punnett Square
A table used to predict what traits offspring will have, based on what traits the parents have

13. Recessive Trait
In a pair of alleles, the one that is masked if a dominant allele is present

14. Traits
Trait is a characteristic you inherit or a distinguishing characteristic or feature.