Genetics Basics

Genotype

• The specific genetic makeup of an individual or organism, including all the genes they possess.

• The physical appearance of an organism resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.

• A type of genetic mutation that occurs in a single nucleotide.

• The process by which genetic information is copied from DNA to RNA.

Hybrid

• The offspring of two plants or animals of different species or varieties, such as a mule.

• A type of plant that grows in water.

• An animal that can only reproduce with its own species.

• A plant that has been genetically modified to resist pests.

Heredity

• The process of acquiring knowledge through experience.

• The passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another.

• The study of how living organisms interact with their environment.

• The ability to adapt to new situations and challenges.

Phenotype

• The genetic makeup of an individual.

• The set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.

• The process by which traits are passed from parents to offspring.

• The study of how traits are inherited over generations.

DNA

• A self-replicating material that is present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information.

• A type of protein that helps in muscle contraction.

• A carbohydrate that provides energy to cells.

• A lipid that forms the cell membrane.

Recessive

• A trait or allele that is always expressed in the phenotype.

• A trait or allele whose effect is masked or hidden by a dominant allele when both are present in the same cell or organism.

• A trait or allele that can be expressed in the phenotype regardless of the presence of a dominant allele.

• A trait or allele that is only expressed in homozygous conditions.

Punnett Square

• A method to calculate the area of a square

• A visual representation used in genetics to predict the possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring from a cross between two parents.

• A type of graph used in statistics

• A diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among various biological species

Homozygous

• Having two identical alleles (versions) of a gene.

• Having two different alleles (versions) of a gene.

• Having one allele for a gene and no other variant.

• Having multiple alleles for a single gene.

Heterozygous

• An individual possesses two identical alleles of a particular gene at the same location on homologous chromosomes.

• An individual possesses two different alleles of a particular gene at the same location on homologous chromosomes.

• An individual possesses one allele of a gene on one chromosome and none on the homologous chromosome.

• An individual possesses multiple alleles of a particular gene located on different chromosomes.

Chromosome

• A threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.

• A type of cell organelle responsible for energy production.

• A molecule that carries amino acids to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

• A structure that protects the cell from external damage.