Terms

• What is a chromosome?

  A thread-like structure of DNA
• What does a gene code for?

  A specific protein or trait
• What is an allele?

  A different version of the same gene
• What is a dominant allele?

  An allele always expressed in phenotype
• What is a recessive allele?

  An allele expressed only if two copies are present
• What does genotype refer to?

  The genetic makeup of an organism
• What is phenotype?

  The physical expression of the genotype
• What does homozygous mean?

  Having two identical alleles for a gene
• What does heterozygous mean?

  Having two different alleles for a gene
• What is a gamete?

  A sex cell carrying half genetic information
• What is fertilisation?

  The fusion of male and female gametes
• What is a zygote?

  The single cell formed after fertilisation
• What does variation refer to?

  Differences in characteristics between individuals
• What is a mutation?

  A random change in the DNA sequence
• What are sex chromosomes?

  Chromosomes that determine the sex of an organism
• What is a Punnett Square used for?

  To predict the outcome of a genetic cross
• What is a monohybrid cross?

  A genetic cross examining one characteristic
• What is a carrier in genetics?

  An individual with one recessive allele
• What is a genetic disorder?

  A condition caused by abnormal genes
• What does DNA stand for?

  Deoxyribonucleic Acid
• What is a genome?

  The complete set of genes in an organism
• What is inheritance?

  The process of passing genetic information
• What is natural selection?

  Survival of organisms with advantageous traits
• What is evolution?

  The gradual change in inherited characteristics
• What is selective breeding?

  Breeding for specific genetic traits