Genetics and Inheritance: Key Concepts for Biology Students Questions and Answers (100% Correct Answers) Already Graded A+

Genetics [ Ans: ] The scientific study of genes, heredity, and the variation of inherited traits among organisms. Probability [ Ans: ] A measure of the likelihood or chance that a specific event will occur, used in genetics to predict the outcomes of inheritance. Codominance [ Ans: ] An inheritance pattern where both alleles for a trait are fully and separately expressed in the phenotype of a heterozygous individual (e.g., AB blood type in humans, roan cattle). Homologous chromosomes [ Ans: ] A pair of chromosomes (one from each parent) that are similar in size, shape, and gene content, with genes located at the same positions, but potentially with different alleles. Fertilization [ Ans: ] The process where male and female gametes (sperm and egg) unite to form a zygote, restoring the diploid chromosome number. Homozygous [ Ans: ] Having two identical alleles for a specific gene (e.g., AA or aa genotype). Incomplete dominance [ Ans: ] An inheritance pattern where the heterozygous phenotype is a blend or intermediate between the two homozygous phenotypes (e.g., red and white flowers producing pink flowers). Diploid [ Ans: ] A cell or organism that has two sets of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent. Trait [ Ans: ] A specific characteristic or variation in the physical appearance of a heritable characteristic (e.g., eye color, height). Heterozygous [ Ans: ] Having two different alleles for a specific gene (e.g., Aa genotype). Dominance [ Ans: ] A genetic principle where one allele (the dominant allele) masks or conceals the presence of another allele (the recessive allele) in the phenotype of a heterozygote. Haploid [ Ans: ] A cell (such as a gamete) that has only one set of chromosomes, half the usual number. Gene [ Ans: ] The basic physical and functional unit of heredity; a segment of DNA that provides instructions for a specific protein or functional product, influencing a trait. Phenotype [ Ans: ] The observable physical and physiological traits or characteristics of an organism, determined by its genotype and environmental interactions. Multiple alleles [ Ans: ] A condition where a gene has more than two possible alleles existing in a population (e.g., the ABO blood type gene which has A, B, and O alleles). Meiosis [ Ans: ] A specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four haploid gamete cells (sperm or eggs) for sexual reproduction. Allele [ Ans: ] One of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome. Genotype [ Ans: ] The underlying genetic makeup of an organism, consisting of the specific set of alleles it has for a gene. Polygenic traits [ Ans: ] Traits that are controlled by two or more genes interacting together, often showing a wide range of variation (e.g., human height, skin color). Crossing over [ Ans: ] The exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes during meiosis, creating new combinations of alleles and increasing genetic diversity. Principle of dominance [ Ans: ] Mendel's law stating that in a heterozygote, one allele will conceal the presence of another allele for the same characteristic. Principle of independent assortment [ Ans: ] Mendel's law stating that genes for