Download Genetics Vocab

Genetic Vocabulary
1. Trait -
Characteristic on a living organism which can have
alternative forms and can be observed.
Ex: Height, skin color, eye color
2. Gene -
Segment of DNA that codes for a trait
3. Allele - Alternative form of a gene (information found on a gene)
Ex: Eye color trait - blue allele, brown allele, etc.
4. Dominant -
Allele that hides/masks the presence of another allele
for the same characteristic.
Ex: B, R, etc. Usually represented with an uppercase letter.
5. Recessive -
Allele that is hidden/masked by the presence of
another allele for the same characteristic.
Ex: b, r, etc. Usually represented with a lowercase letter.
6. Homozygous (Pure) – 2 identical alleles for a trait
Ex: BB or bb
7. Heterozygous – 2 different alleles for a trait
Ex: Bb
8. Phenotype - Physical appearance of a trait based on the
genotype.
Ex: Brown hair, blue eyes, etc.
9. Genotype -
The genetic makeup of an organism.
Ex: BB, Bb, bb
10. Monohybrid Cross - Cross involving one trait.
11. Probability - the likelihood that an event will occur