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.