Genetics Basics

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DNA

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Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms and viruses.

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Gene

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A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for building a specific protein or set of proteins.

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Allele

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A variant form of a gene. Different alleles can result in different traits.

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Chromosome

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A structure found in the nucleus of a cell that contains genetic material. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes.

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Genotype

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The genetic makeup of an organism; the combination of alleles for a given gene.

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Phenotype

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The physical expression or characteristics of a genotype, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

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Inheritance

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The process by which genetic information is passed from parents to offspring.