Inheritance & Variance Traits
Vocabulary
Allele
One of a pair of genes that determine a
specific trait
Chromosome
A structure located in
the nucleus of a cell,
made of DNA, that
contains the genetic
information needed
to carry out cell
functions and make
new cells.
Dominant Trait
In a pair of alleles, the one that, if
present, determines the trait
Genotype
The set of genes carried by an
organism
Heredity
Passing of traits
from one
generation to
another
Heterozygous
Refers to having two different alleles
for a specific gene
Homozygous
Having identical pairs of genes for any
given pair of hereditary
characteristics.
Mutation
A random change in a gene
Phenotype
The physical appearance of an
organism
Proteins
A class of organic compounds
found in living things that are
essential for life
Punnett Square
A table used to predict what traits
offspring will have, based on what
traits the parents have
Recessive Trait
In a pair of alleles, the one that
is masked if a dominant allele is
present
Traits
Trait is a characteristic you inherit
or a distinguishing characteristic or
feature.