Genetics Vocabulary
What is a section of DNA that codes for a particular characteristic?
Gene
What does DNA stand for?
Deoxyribonucleic acid
What is a characteristic that can be inherited called?
Inherited trait/characteristic
What type of cell division produces gametes?
Meiosis
What is a change in the DNA sequence called?
Mutation
What are different versions of the same gene called?
Alleles
Name the four bases found in DNA.
Adenine, thymine, cytosine and guanine
What is an allele that is expressed when one copy is present called?
Dominant allele
How many chromosomes are found in a normal human gamete?
23 pairs
What process causes organisms with advantageous inherited characteristics to survive and reproduce more successfully?
Natural selection
What term describes an organism with two identical alleles?
Homozygous
Which base pairs with adenine?
Thymine
What is an allele that is only expressed when two copies are present called?
Recessive allele
How many daughter cells are produced by meiosis?
4
What is a characteristic that improves an organism's survival or reproduction called?
Adaptation
What term describes an organism with two different alleles?
Heterozygous
Which base pairs with cytosine?
Guanine
What is the observable characteristic of an organism called?
Phenotype
Are the cells produced by meiosis haploid or diploid?
Haploid
A heterozygous tall pea plant (Tt) is crossed with a homozygous short plant (tt).
a) What are the possible genotypes of the offspring?
Tt and tt
What is the genetic makeup of an organism called?
Genotype
Where in a eukaryotic cell is most DNA found?
Nucleus
If a tall plant has genotype Tt, what phenotype would it show if T is dominant?
Tall
Name one process during meiosis that increases genetic variation.
Crossing over or independent assortment
A heterozygous tall pea plant (Tt) is crossed with a homozygous short plant (tt).
a.What percentage are expected to be tall?
b.What percentage are expected to be short?
a) 50% tall
b) 50% short