Genetics Vocabulary

One of two or more versions of DNA sequence (a single base or a segment of bases) at a given genomic location.

A

Any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome.

A

A person who can pass an inherited (genetic) disease on to their children but who does not have the disease.

C

A threadlike structure made of protein and a single molecule of DNA that serves to carry the genomic information from cell to cell.

C

A type of inheritance in which two versions (alleles) of the same gene are expressed separately to yield different traits in an individual.

C

A condition wherein the dominant allele completely masks the effect of the recessive allele.

C

A type of mutation in which part of the DNA sequence is lost; the loss can be as small as a single base pair or as much as an entire section of a chromosome.

D

A cell having two complete sets of chromosomes; one set is inherited from the mother, and one set from the father.

D

The common name of deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information for the development and functioning of an organism; made of two linked strands that wind around each other to resemble a twisted ladder — a shape known as a double helix.

D

(of an allele) When the alleles of a gene are different, the allele that is expressed.

D

The basic physical and functional unit of heredity.

G

The complete set of genetic information in an organism.

G

The alleles or variants an individual carries in a particular gene or genetic location.

G

Having inherited different versions (alleles) of a genomic marker from each biological parent.

H

Having inherited the same versions (alleles) of a genomic marker from each biological parent.

H

A form of gene interaction in which both alleles of a gene at a locus are partially expressed.

I

A mutation that causes premature the death of an organism, often in the early stages of embryonic or fetal development, but sometimes after birth.

L

A specific, fixed position on a chromosome where a particular gene or genetic marker is located.

L

Membrane-bound organelles that generate most of the chemical energy needed to power the cell’s biochemical reactions.

M

An individual's observable traits as determined by their genomic makeup and environmental factors.

P

(of an allele) Having no tangible effect, or that is masked by the effects of a dominant allele.

R

The common name of Ribonucleic Acid, a single-stranded organic molecule composed of nucleotides.

R

A specific characteristic of an individual, determined by genes, environmental factors or by a combination of both.

T

A gene that resides on the X chromosome.

X

The single cell formed by the union of gametes (sperm and egg); a fertilized egg.

Z