Vocabulary - Genetics

Tyler

Sather

9
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1


Vocabulary


Ovule
-
The plant part that develops into a seed.

Nitrogen Base
-
In Genetics, a chemical subunit of DNA

Meristem
-
An area of cell division of unspecialized cells in the tips of
roots and shoot that produces new growth in plants.

Micro
-
Organism
-
A
Single
-
Celled Organism.

Mutagen
-
An agent that can cause changes in the genetic information of
an organism.

Protein
-

An organic nutrient composed of a chain of acids.

Recessive Trait
-
An inherited trait that shows up in the offspring only if
both parents pa
ssed on the genes for the trait; when mixed with genes
for a dominant trait, a recessive trait does not show up in the offspring.

Narrow Niche
-

A

highly specialized role or characteristic activity
undertaken by an organism in an ecosystem.

Mutualism
-

A

sym
biotic relationship between two different types of
organisms that is beneficial to both organisms.


Niche
-

T
he role or characteristic activity that is undertaken by an
organism in a n ecosystem; one organism may fill several different
niches.

Gamete
-

A

re
productive cell (egg or sperm) containing half the number
of chromosomes of a somatic cell.

Tyler

Sather

9
-
1


Gene
-

A

section of DNA on a chromosome that codes for a specific
protein and function.

Generalist
-

A
n organism with generalized
requirements and
adaptations

that
allow it to survive in variable conditions and depend
on a variety of food sources;
generalists tend

to have broad niches.

Genetics
-


T
he study of genes or heritable traits

Herbicide
-

A

chemical used to control weeds

Heritable
-

A

genetic characteristic; t
hat is one that can be passed on
from parent to offspring.

Meiosis
-

T
he formation of the gametes, the process by which genetic
material is duplicated and divided so that each gamete has half the
number of chromosomes of a somatic cell.

Biological Diversit
y
-

The

number and variety of organisms in an area.

Biotechnology
-

U
sing or modifying living organi
sms to make marketable
products
; sometimes involves genetic engineering.