Genes and Heredity

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What is a gene?

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A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for building a specific protein or set of proteins, which determine traits in an organism.

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NGSS.HS-LS1-1

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

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What is heredity?

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Heredity is the passing of traits from parents to their offspring through genes.

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NGSS.HS-LS3-1

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

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What is a dominant allele?

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A dominant allele is a version of a gene that is expressed in the phenotype even when only one copy is present.

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What is a recessive allele?

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A recessive allele is a version of a gene that is only expressed in the phenotype when two copies are present.

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What is a phenotype?

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A phenotype is the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.

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What is a genotype?

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A genotype is the genetic constitution of an individual, specifically the alleles present for a particular gene.

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NGSS.HS-LS3-2

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What is a Punnett square?

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A Punnett square is a diagram used to predict the outcome of a genetic cross by showing the possible combinations of alleles from the parents.

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NGSS.HS-LS3-2

NGSS.HS-LS3-3

Front

What is the difference between homozygous and heterozygous?

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Homozygous refers to having two identical alleles for a particular gene, while heterozygous refers to having two different alleles for that gene.

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What is an allele?

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An allele is a variant form of a gene that can produce different traits.

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NGSS.HS-LS3-2

Front

What is a trait?

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A trait is a specific characteristic of an organism, such as eye color or height, that is influenced by genes.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1