PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Science Definitions
Payson Kelley
Trait- A characteristic or property of an organism.
Dominant Trait- A genetic trait passed from parent to child that is more likely to be expressed.
Chromosome- a tightly wound bundle of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus of most living cells.
Heredity- the passing of traits from parent to offspring.
Gene- the basic unit of heredity in a living organism; a segment of DNA or RNA.
Recessive- a genetic trait that lacks the ability to manifest itself when a dominant gene is present.
Allele- one member of a pair or series of genes on specific chromosomes in specific positions.
Punnett Square- a chart used to determine the possible genetic outcomes for offspring of a given cross.
Phenotype- the observable traits of an organism passed on from parent to offspring.
Genotype- internal genetic coding passed on from one generation to the next.
Homozygous- is a genetic condition where an individual inherits the same alleles for a particular gene from both parents.
Heterozygous- refers to a pair of of genes where one is dominant and one is recessive.
DNA- the nucleus of a cell, a long nucleic acid molecule containing the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of all living organisms; abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid.
Prokaryote-
individual microscopic organism with no nucleus.
Eukaryote-
having complex cells in which the genetic material is contained inside a nucleus.
