Genetics & Heredity Vocabulary

One of two or more forms that a gene could take. Usually expressed as a single letter, either capital or lowercase.

• allele

• gene

• trait

• phenotype

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

a molecule found in the nucleus of every cell, that encodes genetic information. This is short for deoxyribonucleic acid

• Gene

• Allele

• DNA

• Trait

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

The passage of genetic information from a parent or set of parents, to the offspring. For each gene, the offspring receives one allele from each parent.

• Heredity

• Homozygous

• Heterozygous

• Trait

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

The genetic makeup of an organism. Which genes are present

• Genotype

• Phenotype

The physical appearance of an organism. This is the physical manifestation of their genes.

• Genotype

• Phenotype

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-1

An allele that is always expressed when it is present. These are usually represented by capital letters.

• Dominant allele

• Homozygous

• Heterozygous

• Recessive allele

An allele that is only expressed if two copies are present. They are not expressed when the dominant allele is present. These are usually represented by lowercase letters.

• Dominant allele

• Homozygous

• Heterozygous

• Recessive allele

The offspring of genetically different parents

• Homozygous

• Heterozygous

• Hybrid

• Gene

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-2

Having two alleles that are different

• Dominant allele

• Homozygous

• Heterozygous

• Recessive allele

Having two alleles that are the same

• Dominant allele

• Homozygous

• Heterozygous

• Recessive allele