Genetics and DNA

Allele

An alternate form of a gene for a specific trait is called an allele. An allele is like a version of a gene that can determine different traits, such as eye color.

Cloning

The asexual process of producing an identical copy of the parent cell. Cloning. In simple terms, cloning is creating an exact genetic copy of a living organism.

Codominance

A condition where both alleles are expressed in a phenotype. Codominance. In codominance, both inherited genes are equally expressed, like in blood type AB where both A and B proteins show up.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA, carries an organism's genetic information. DNA is like a set of instructions that tells cells how to function and grow.

Dominant trait

A trait of an allele that masks the other trait. Dominant trait. A dominant trait is one that will express itself over another trait when both are present in an organism.

Fertilization

When a male reproductive cell sperm joins with a female reproductive cell egg fertilization. Fertilization is the process where the sperm and egg combine to form a new cell that can develop into an organism.

Gene

The part of a chromosome that contains the DNA for a specific trait. Gene. A gene is a segment of DNA that gives instructions for a certain characteristic or function in an organism.

Genetic disorder

An inherited condition caused by a gene or a chromosome mutation. Genetic disorder. It is a health problem caused by changes in our DNA.

Genetic engineering

The process of changing the DNA of an organism. Genetic engineering. It's a technique used by scientists to directly alter the genes of an organism to achieve desired traits.

Genetics

The study of how traits are passed from parents to offspring. Genetics. Genetics is the science of understanding how living organisms inherit characteristics from their parents.

Genome

All the genetic material contained in an organisms DNA. Genome. A genome is the complete set of instructions for building and maintaining an organism.

Heredity

The passing of traits from parent to offspring. Heredity. It's the process where biological characteristics are passed from parents to their children.

Heterozygous

Two different alleles for a trait. Heterozygous. Heterozygous means having two different versions of a gene for a particular trait.

Homozygous

Two identical alleles for a trait. Homozygous. When an organism has two of the same versions of a gene, it is called homozygous.

Hybrid

The offspring of parents that have different forms of a trait. Hybrid. In science, a hybrid is an organism produced by crossing two different types or varieties, often resulting in a mixture of traits.

Multiple allele

Three or more alleles of the same gene. Multiple allele. Multiple alleles are different versions of the same gene that can exist within a population, leading to variations in physical traits.

Mutation

A change in a cells DNA. Mutation. A mutation is a change in the genetic material that can lead to new traits or characteristics.

Pedigree

A chart that shows the genetic traits in several generations of a family. Pedigree. In science, a pedigree is a diagram that traces inherited traits over multiple generations of a family.

Punnett square

A model that predicts offspring. Punnett square. A Punnett square is a diagram used in genetics to predict the possible traits of offspring from two parents.

Recessive trait

A trait that is masked from a dominant allele. Recessive trait. A recessive trait is one that only appears if an organism inherits two copies of a recessive allele, one from each parent.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid or RNA, a molecule that aids in protein synthesis. RNA. RNA is a molecule that helps cells make proteins by carrying instructions from DNA.

Selective breeding

The breeding of plants or animals to produce desired traits. Selective breeding. Selective breeding is when humans choose certain plants or animals with specific traits to reproduce, so the offspring have those desired traits too.

Sex chromosome

A chromosome that determines an individual's sex. sex chromosome. A sex chromosome is a type of chromosome that carries genes responsible for determining whether an individual develops as male or female.

Sex linked gene

A gene that is located on a sex chromosome. Sex linked gene. A sex-linked gene is a gene carried on a sex chromosome, which determines inherited traits based on gender.