Key Genetics Terms Flashcards

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What is DNA?

DNA is a long molecule that carries genetic information in cells. It holds the instructions to build and run an organism.

What is a chromosome?

A chromosome is a long, coiled strand of DNA that contains many genes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes in most cells.

What is a gene?

A gene is a short section of DNA that codes for a protein. This protein helps control a particular characteristic.

What is an allele?

An allele is a different version of the same gene. You usually have two alleles for each gene, one from each parent.

What does genotype mean?

Genotype is the set of alleles an organism has for a particular gene. It is the genetic make-up.

What does phenotype mean?

Phenotype is the observable characteristic that results from the genotype and the environment. It is what you can see or measure.

What is a dominant allele?

A dominant allele is always expressed in the phenotype if it is present. It can hide the effect of a recessive allele.

What is a recessive allele?

A recessive allele is only expressed in the phenotype when there are two copies of it. It is hidden if a dominant allele is present.

What does homozygous mean?

Homozygous means having two identical alleles for a gene, for example BB or bb.

What does heterozygous mean?

Heterozygous means having two different alleles for a gene, for example Bb.

What is a gamete?

A gamete is a sex cell, such as a sperm or egg cell. It has half the usual number of chromosomes.

What is a zygote?

A zygote is the cell formed when a sperm and egg join at fertilisation. It has a full set of chromosomes.