Genetics

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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. For example, the gene for flower color in pea plants can have a purple allele or a white allele.

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What is a dominant allele?

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A dominant allele is an allele that expresses its trait even when only one copy is present in the genotype. For example, in pea plants, the purple flower color is dominant over white.

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What is a recessive allele?

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A recessive allele is an allele whose trait is only expressed when two copies are present in the genotype. For example, a plant with the genotype 'gg' will have yellow flowers.

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What is a genotype?

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A genotype is the genetic makeup of an organism, represented by the alleles it possesses. For example, 'GG', 'Gg', and 'gg' are different genotypes for flower color.

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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 its genotype. For example, a plant's flower color is part of its phenotype.

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What is the relationship between genotype and phenotype?

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The genotype determines the phenotype. The alleles present in the genotype influence the traits that are expressed in the phenotype.

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What is the purpose of 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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What is the difference between homozygous and heterozygous?

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Homozygous refers to having two identical alleles for a trait (e.g., 'GG' or 'gg'), while heterozygous refers to having two different alleles for a trait (e.g., 'Gg').

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What is a pedigree chart?

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A pedigree chart is a diagram that shows the occurrence and appearance of phenotypes of a particular gene or organism and its ancestors.

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What is the role of chromosomes in genetics?

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Chromosomes are structures within cells that contain DNA. They carry genes, which are the units of heredity that determine traits.