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GENETICS AND HEREDITY
 Genetics is the study of genes and their role in
inheritance, the way certain traits are passed down
from one generation to the next.
 Heredity is the passing of traits from parents to
offspring through DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)
Genetic Terms
 Traits=characteristics of living things
 Inherited traits=a characteristic that a living thing gets
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from its parents before birth through DNA
Species=a type of living things that can interbreed.
Offspring=babies/children
Acquired trait=a trait that a living thing picks up while
growing up
Behaviors= ways of acting
Instincts=inherited behavior
Migrate=move from one place to another
Hibernate=when animals sleep for a long period of time
Genetic Terms
 Chromosomes=a threadlike structure found in the
nucleus of a cell and contains DNA (genetic material)
and proteins.
 Gene=a section/segment of DNA that occupies a
specific location on a chromosome and determines a
particular characteristic/trait in an organism.
For example: brown eyes, curly hair, etc
 Allele=an alternate form of a gene.
For example: brown/blue eyes, curly/straight hair, etc.
Characteristics = Traits
 A characteristic of an organism may be inherited or
acquired.
 You are a unique individual.
 Characteristics about you are called traits.
 Examples: Eye color, hair texture, etc
Inherited Traits
 Received from your biological parents through DNA
 Examples: natural eye color, hair color, height, blood
type.
 These traits are passed one from parents to the
children/offspring.
Acquired Traits
 Developed during life (not born with it)
 Examples
 Things you learned
(riding a bike, reading, writing)
 Things that happened to you
(short hair, cut-off finger)
Acquired traits end with you!
 CANNOT pass on
acquired traits to
offspring
 NOT in DNA/genes!
 Example: Your kids
won’t be born with a
missing arm if you cut
off your arm first!
Some traits are both!
 Skin color is a
combination trait
 Inherited part:
Receive genes for skin
color from parents.
 Acquired part:
Amount of time in the sun
determines level of tan.
Acquired or Inherited? Explain
This child has dimples.
Acquired or Inherited? Explain
 Someone is bilingual.
Acquired or Inherited? Explain
 You know how to swim.
Acquired or Inherited? Explain
 You have a hitchhiker’s thumb.
Acquired or Inherited? Explain
A man is blind from a firework
accident.
Acquired or Inherited? Explain
 Mary can roll her tongue.
Acquired or Inherited? Explain
 You have calluses on your feet.
Acquired or Inherited? Explain
A pea plant has purple flowers.
Acquired or Inherited? Explain
 Captain Kirk can make the vulcan hand sign.
Acquired or Inherited? Explain
 Harry has a scar on his head.
Acquired or Inherited? Explain
 Sam has a birthmark on his back.
Acquired or Inherited? Explain
 A bush has trimmed limbs.
Acquired or Inherited? Explain
 Kilam is very good at basketball.