Genetics Basics
Make common biology and health terms more understandable.
Autosome
Any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome
Gamete
A reproductive cell (sperm or egg) containing half the genetic material of an organism
Transcription
The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA
Translation
The process where ribosomes synthesize proteins using an RNA code
Haploid
A cell containing a single set of unpaired chromosomes
Diploid
A cell containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent
Nucleotide
The basic building block of DNA and RNA
Heredity
The passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another
Locus
The specific physical location of a gene or other DNA sequence on a chromosome
RNA
A nucleic acid that translates genetic information from DNA into proteins
Zygote
A diploid cell resulting from the fusion of two haploid gametes
Homozygous
Having two identical alleles for a particular gene
Heterozygous
Having two different alleles for a particular gene
Mutation
A permanent change in the DNA sequence of a gene
Genome
The complete set of genetic material in an organism
Punnett Square
A diagram used to predict the genetic outcome of a cross
Allele
One of two or more alternative forms of a gene
Genotype
The genetic makeup or set of alleles of an organism
Phenotype
The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism
Dominant Trait
A trait that is expressed even if only one copy of the allele is present
Recessive Trait
A trait that is expressed only when two copies of the allele are present
chromosome
a packaged structure of DNA found in cells
gene
a segment of DNA associated with a trait or function
DNA
the molecule that carries genetic information