| A | B |
|---|
| Allele | One of two or more different genes that occupy the same place on a chromosome- Allowing genetic variation |
| Amino Acid | Building blocks of protein molecules; there are 20 common amino acids |
| DNA | Deoxyribonucleic acid; the molecule that stores and passes on genetic information- is Located in the nucleus of a cell |
| Dominant Trait | A trait that prevails (or masks) a recessive trait when present |
| Gene | The basic unit of heredity, which is passed down from parent to offspring and is Transcribed on a protein chain |
| Genotype | The genetic makeup of an organism (example: TT, Tt, tt) |
| Heredity | The passing down of traits from parents to offspring |
| Heterozygous | Possessing two different alleles of a given gene (example:Tt) |
| Homozygous | Possessing two identical alleles for a given gene (example: TT or tt) |
| Mutation | A change in the DNA base sequence which alters the outcome of the offspring |
| Nucleotide | Building blocks of Nucleic acids; consists of a sugar base, a phosphate group and A nitrogen base (Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine or Guanine) |
| Phenotype | The physical characteristics associated with a specific genotype (ex: TT= tall) |
| Punnett Square | Method used to predict the characteristics of offspring in a genetic cross |
| Protein | A fundamental component of all living cells made up of amino acids and coded for By DNA |
| Transcription | The synthesis of messenger RNA from a DNA template (DNA writes its code On a RNA strand) |
| Translation | The synthesis of a protein from a messenger RNA template |
| Recessive Trait | A trait that is present only when the dominant trait is absent (Ex: tt= short) |
| Replication | Process by which DNA makes a copy of itself before cell division |
| RNA | Ribonucleic acid; similar to DNA except it has the nitrogen base Uracil instead of Thymine |
