Genotype and Phenotype Basics

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What is a genotype?

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The genetic makeup of an individual, represented by letters (e.g., BB, Bb, bb).

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

Front

What is a phenotype?

Back

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, determined by its genotype.

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What does homozygous mean?

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Having two identical alleles for a particular gene (e.g., BB or bb).

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What does heterozygous mean?

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Having two different alleles for a particular gene (e.g., Bb).

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What is an allele?

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Different forms of a gene that can exist at a specific locus on a chromosome.

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What is a gene?

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A section of DNA that contains the instructions for making a specific protein or trait.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-1

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

Front

What is the difference between dominant and recessive alleles?

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A dominant allele expresses its trait even in the presence of a recessive allele, while a recessive allele only expresses its trait when paired with another recessive allele.

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What is a Punnett square?

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A diagram used to predict the outcome of a genetic cross by showing the possible combinations of alleles.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-3

Front

What does the term 'phenotypic ratio' refer to?

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The ratio of different phenotypes that appear in the offspring from a genetic cross.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-3

Front

What is the significance of the letter 'B' in genetics?

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It often represents a dominant allele, such as for brown hair in the context of hair color.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1