| A | B |
|---|
| mutation | A process that changes DNA to form new alleles. |
| DNA | Deoxyribonucleic acid: The main component of chromosomes and is the material that transfers genetic characteristics in all life forms. |
| mitosis | The process in cell division by which the nucleus divides, resulting in two new nuclei containing a complete copy of the parental chromosomes. |
| meiosis | The process of nuclear division in a living cell by which the number of chromosomes is reduced to half the original number. This occurs in gamete (egg or sperm) cells. |
| chromosome | The threadlike carriers of hereditary characteristics, found in the nucleus. |
| gene | A part of the DNA code on a chromosome. |
| genetics | The study of heredity. |
| allele | Different forms of a gene. |
| heredity | The passing of genetic characters from parents to offspring. |
| trait | A characteristic that an organism can pass on to its offspring through its genes. |
| dominant | One of a pair of alternative alleles that masks the effect of the other when both are present in the same cell or organism. |
| recessive | One of a pair of alternative alleles whose effect is masked by the activity of the second when both are present in the same cell or organism. |
| Punnett Square | A grid that can indicate all the possible outcomes of a genetic cross. |
| purebred | An organism that always produces offspring with the same form of a trait as a parent. |
| hybrid | An organism that has two different alleles for a trait. |
| heterozygous | Having two different alleles for a trait. |
| homozygous | Having two identical alleles for a trait. |
| genotype | An organism's genetic makeup, or allele combination. |
| phenotype | An organism's physical appearance, or visible traits. |
| codominance | A condition in which neither of the two alleles of a gene is dominant or recessive. |
