Meiosis and Mendel

Science

An alternate form of a gene for a specific trait

Allele

An alternate form of a gene for a specific trait is called an allele. In simple terms, an allele is one of the different versions of a gene that determines specific traits, like eye color or blood type.

The exchange of genetic material between similar chromosomes during meiosis

Crossing over

The exchange of genetic material between similar chromosomes during meiosis crossing over. Crossing over is when chromosomes swap genetic bits to create new gene combinations during the formation of eggs and sperm.

A cell that has two sets of chromosomes

Diploid

A cell that has two sets of chromosomes. Diploid. In simple terms, diploid means a cell has two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

A trait of an allele that masks the other trait

Dominant trait

A trait of an allele that masks the other trait. Dominant trait. In Science, a dominant trait is a characteristic that appears in an organism when at least one dominant allele for that trait is present.

When a male reproductive cell (sperm) joins with a female reproductive cell (egg)

Fertilization

When a male reproductive cell sperm joins with a female reproductive cell egg, fertilization. Fertilization is the process where a sperm and egg combine to start forming a new organism.

A sex cell, like an egg or sperm

Gamete

A sex cell, like an egg or sperm. Gamete. A gamete is a reproductive cell that contains half the genetic material needed to form a new organism.

The part of a chromosome that contains the DNA for a specific trait

Gene

The part of a chromosome that contains the DNA for a specific trait. Gene. A gene is a segment of DNA that determines specific characteristics or traits in an organism.

The study of how traits are passed from parents to offspring

Genetics

The study of how traits are passed from parents to offspring. Genetics. Genetics is the branch of science that looks at how living things inherit and vary traits through DNA.

The entire genetic make up of an organism

Genotype

The entire genetic make up of an organism. Genotype. The genotype is like a blueprint, showing the genetic instructions that determine an organism's traits.

A cell that has only one set of chromosomes

Haploid

A cell that has only one set of chromosomes. Haploid. In simple terms, haploid cells have half the number of chromosomes compared to normal body cells.

The passing of traits from parent to offspring

Heredity

The passing of traits from parent to offspring. Heredity. Heredity is the process through which parents pass genetic information to their children, influencing their characteristics.

Two different alleles for a trait

Heterozygous

Two different alleles for a trait. Heterozygous. Heterozygous means having two different versions of a gene for a particular trait.

A chromosome with the same structure and gene sequence

Homologous chromosome

A chromosome with the same structure and gene sequence. Homologous chromosome. In simple terms, homologous chromosomes are paired chromosomes in a cell that have the same genes in the same order but may have different versions of those genes.

Two identical alleles for a trait

Homozygous

Two identical alleles for a trait. Homozygous. When an organism has two identical copies of a gene for a specific trait, it is called homozygous.

The offspring of parents that have different forms of a trait

Hybrid

The offspring of parents that have different forms of a trait. Hybrid. In science, a hybrid is an organism that results from the combination of two different species or varieties, often exhibiting traits from both.

States that genes for different traits are inherited independently of each other

Law of independent assortment

States that genes for different traits are inherited independently of each other. Law of independent assortment. This law means that the inheritance of one trait does not affect the inheritance of another trait.

States that every organism has two alleles for each trait, these alleles separate in meiosis

Law of segregation

States that every organism has two alleles for each trait, these alleles separate in meiosis. Law of segregation. In simple terms, the law of segregation means that organisms inherit two copies of each gene, and these copies are separated when they form reproductive cells.

The process in cell division where the number of chromosomes is halved

Meiosis

The process in cell division where the number of chromosomes is halved. Meiosis. Meiosis is the way cells divide to create sex cells, with half the usual number of chromosomes, for reproduction.

The observable characteristics of an organism

Phenotype

The observable characteristics of an organism. Phenotype. A phenotype is the physical appearance or traits of an organism, like eye color or height, resulting from both genetic makeup and environmental influences.

The likelihood that an event will occur

Probability

The likelihood that an event will occur. Probability. In Science, probability is a measure that tells us how likely it is for a specific event to happen.

A model that predicts offspring

Punnett square

A model that predicts offspring. Punnett square. A Punnett square is a grid used to predict the genetic traits of offspring based on the genes of their parents.

A trait that is masked from a dominant allele

Recessive trait

A trait that is masked from a dominant allele. Recessive trait. A recessive trait is a characteristic that only appears if an individual has two copies of the gene for that trait, meaning there are no dominant alleles present.

The production of offspring from two parents

Sexual reproduction

The production of offspring from two parents. Sexual reproduction. It is the process where two parents contribute genetic material to create a new organism.

The sex cell produced in male reproductive organs

Sperm

The sex cell produced in male reproductive organs. Sperm are tiny cells that carry genetic information from males to females for reproduction.

Any characteristic of an organism

Trait

Any characteristic of an organism. Trait. In science, a trait is a specific feature or quality that can be inherited from parents, like eye color or height.

The cell formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg

Zygote

The cell formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg. zygote. A zygote is the first stage of a new organism, created when a sperm and egg combine.