Genetics Vocabulary

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Trait

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A characteristic or feature of an organism that can be inherited.

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Genes

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Units of heredity made up of DNA that determine specific traits.

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Chromosomes

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Structures within cells that contain a person's genes.

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Genetic Variation

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Differences in DNA sequences among individuals, which contribute to diversity within a species.

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Genotype

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The genetic makeup of an organism, representing the combination of alleles.

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Phenotype

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The observable characteristics or traits of an organism, resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.

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Allele

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

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Recessive

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An allele that is masked by a dominant allele and only expressed in a homozygous condition.

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Dominant

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An allele that is expressed in the phenotype even when only one copy is present.

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Heterozygous

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Having two different alleles for a particular gene.