Genetics and Cell Review

Gene: A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for building a specific protein, which determines a trait.

Recessive Trait: A trait that is not expressed when a dominant trait is present; it can be masked.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid: The molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life.

Mendel: Gregor Mendel, known for his work on inheritance patterns in pea plants.

Capital Letters: Dominant traits are represented by uppercase letters.

Dominant Trait: A trait that is expressed when at least one dominant allele is present.

Allele: Different forms of a gene that can exist at a specific locus on a chromosome.

Phenotype: The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, determined by its genotype.

Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism, representing the alleles it carries.

Chromosome: A structure made of DNA and proteins that contains genetic information.