Genetics Vocabulary

F2 generation

• First generation of offspring

• Second generation of offspring

• Third generation of offspring

• Fourth generation of offspring

Principal of segregation

• Every individual carries one allele for each trait.

• Every individual carries two alleles for each trait, which will separate during the formation of egg and sperm cells.

• Alleles are always dominant and do not segregate.

• Egg and sperm cells carry multiple alleles for each trait.

Phenotype

• The genetic makeup of an organism.

• The physical characteristics of an organism, such as tall or short plants.

• The behavior of an organism in its environment.

• The evolutionary history of an organism.

Dominant allele

• A trait that is always recessive

• A trait that will not show up in the offspring

• When present, this trait will show up in the offspring

• A trait that can only be inherited from one parent

Chromosome

• A long chain of genes

• A type of protein

• A cellular organelle

• A form of RNA

Trait

• The characteristics that an organism has, such as, hair color or height

• A type of genetic mutation

• A behavior exhibited by an organism

• An environmental factor affecting growth

Law of Independent Assortment

• Genes for different traits can segregate independently during the formation of gametes.

• Genes for the same traits are inherited together.

• All genes are inherited independently of each other.

• Genes can only segregate during mitosis.

Gene

• a segment of DNA that controls a hereditary trait

• a type of protein that regulates cell function

• a molecule that carries oxygen in the blood

• a structure that provides energy to cells

Gregor Mendel

• know as the "father of genetics"

• discovered the structure of DNA

• developed the theory of evolution

• pioneered the study of microbiology

Gametes

• Sex cells, such as sperm and egg

• Cells that undergo mitosis

• Cells that form tissues

• Immune cells that fight infections