Genetics and Heredity Vocabulary

7th grade Science

Asexual reproduction

Reproduction that does not involve the union of sex cells and in which one parent produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.

Sexual reproductionReproduction in which the sex cells from two parents unite to produce offspring that share traits from both parents

HeredityThe passing of genetic material from parent to offspring

TraitGenetically determined forms of a characteristic that can be expressed in a population.

GeneOne set of instructions for an inherited trait.

GeneticsRelating to genes or heredity.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)A molecule that is present in all living cells and that contains the information that determines the traits a living thing inherits and needs to live.

ChromosomesIn a eukaryotic cell, one of the structures in the nucleus that are made up of DNA and protein; in a prokaryotic cell, the main ring of DNA.

AlleleOne of the alternative forms of a gene that governs a characteristic, such as hair color.

H h

InheritanceThe process by which genetic information is passed on from parent to child.

Dominant alleleAn allele that is fully expressed whenever the allele is present in an individual.

*(Expressed by an uppercase letter)

Recessive AlleleAn allele that will be masked unless the organism is homozygous for the trait.*(Expressed by a lowercase letter)

GenotypeThe entire genetic make-up of an organism; also the combination of genes for one or more specific traits.

*(Two alleles ex: Bb, Aa etc.)

PhenotypeAn organism’s appearance or other detectable characteristic.