Science Vocabulary Term 1

Genetic Factors

Genetic factors refer to the specific genes found in DNA. These factors are the result of specific alleles carried by the individual. These factors are inherited or passed from parent to offspring.

Mutation

A change or mistake in the nucleotide sequence of DNA.

Transcription

A gene is transcribed into a single stranded molecule called messenger RNA in the nucleus of the cell.

Gene

A segment of a chromosome that codes for a specific trait.

RNA

A single stranded molecule called ribonucleic acid.

Allele

A version of a gene/ A Gene is section of DNA that codes for a trait.

Genome

An organism's complete set of genetic material (DNA)

Environmental Factors

Any factor, whether abiotic or biotic, that influences living organisms.

Traits

Characteristics of an organism. They describe the physical characteristics of an organism, as well as how the organism behaves. Traits can be inherited or learned.

Punnet Square

Diagrams that help determine the probability or likelihood that an offspring will inherit a certain genotype

Translation

During this process the RNA sequence is translated into an a protein.

Inherited Trait

Inherited traits are passed from parent to offspring. Inherited traits are coded in DNA, which is passed from parent to offspring during reproduction.

Learned Trait

Learned traits are acquired by experience and are not coded in DNA.

Chromosome

Strands of tightly compacted DNA

Asexual Reproduction

The reproductive process that involves one parent and produces offspring identical to the parent

Genotype

The genetic makeup of the organism. The genotype is the actual combination of alleles of an organism.

Variation

The occurrence of an organism, trait, or gene in more than one form.

Phenotype

The physical appearance or traits of an organism.

Artificial Selection

The process by which humans select the animal or plant parents with the most desired traits to mate and produce offspring with those qualities; also called selective breeding

Natural Selection

The process by which nature selects the traits that are passed on the next generation.

Sexual Reproduction

The reproductive process involving two parents whose genetic material is combined to produce a new organism (offspring) different from themselves (with a unique combination of traits).

The Scientific Method

The steps scientists take to solve problems/ The procedure scientists use to explain why things happen the way they do.

Dependant Variable

The variable that changed as a result of the independent variable.This variable is what you measure or observe.

Independant Variable

The variable that you change in an experiment.

Genetic Variation

The variety of gene combinations that exist within a population. Genetic variation results from the process of sexual reproduction.

Control Variable

Variables that are kept the same or constant throughout the experiment.

Ribisomes

Where proteins are made in the cell.

Proteins

large complex molecules made of subunits called amino acids.