Genetic inheritance

• Gamete


  A sex cell containing half the usual number of chromosomes (haploid)
• Chromosome


  A long strand of DNA found in the nucleus, containing genetic information. Humans have 46 chromosomes in each cell, arranged in 23 pairs
• Gene


  A section of DNA that codes for a specific protein or characteristic,
• Allele


  A different version of a gene
• Dominant


  An allele that expresses its trait even if only one copy is present. For example, the allele for brown eyes is dominant.
• Recessive


  An allele that only expresses its trait if two copies are present. For example, the allele for blue eyes is recessive.
• Homozygous


  Having two identical alleles for a particular gene
• Heterozygous


  Having two different alleles for a particular gene.
• Genotype


  The combination of alleles an individual has for a particular gene.
• Phenotype


  The physical expression or characteristics resulting from the genotype.
• What is a Punnett square used for?

  A Punnett square is used to predict the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring from a genetic cross.