Biology Africa Lesson 2 Vocabulary

Chromosome

• Genetic material compacted in a linear format

• Protein structure that helps in cell division

• Fluid that fills the cell and holds organelles

• Smallest unit of life that can replicate independently

Allele

• A type of chromosome that determines physical traits

• A variation of a gene (e.g., Gene 1 = bent thumb, Gene 2 = straight thumb; both code for thumb shape)

• A segment of DNA that codes for a protein

• A genetic disorder caused by mutations

Phenotype

• Physical trait expressed by a gene

• Genetic makeup of an organism

• Environmental influence on traits

• Type of mutation in DNA

Genotype

• Genes that code for a trait

• Physical appearance of an organism

• Environmental factors affecting a trait

• Combination of alleles in an organism

Parentage

• the identity and origins of one's parents.

• a legal term for guardianship.

• the process of adopting a child.

• the biological relationship between siblings.

Karyotype

• A type of genetic mutation

• A picture of an organism’s chromosomes

• A method for DNA sequencing

• A classification of species based on behavior