Genetics Vocabulary

The study of how genes and traits are passed down from one generation to the next.

• Genetics

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A dominant allele (represented by a capital letter) is a part of this genotype. The dominant phenotype (trait) will show if there's a least one dominant allele in the genotype.

• Dominant

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A recessive allele is represented by a lower-case letter in a genotype. The recessive phenotype (trait) will show only if both alleles in the genotype are recessive.

• Recessive

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When the alleles in a genotype are the same.

• Purebred

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When the alleles in a genotype are different.

• Hybrid

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A different form of a gene.

• Allele

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A tool used to determine the probabilities of offspring having certain genetic genotypes.

• Punnett square

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Probability

• The likelihood that an event will occur.

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An organism's physical appearance, or visible traits.

• Phenotype

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An organism's genetic makeup, or allele combination.

• Genotype

• Not the answer