Any of two or more variants of a gene that have the samerelative position on homologous chromosomes and are responsible for alternative characteristics, such as smooth or wrinkled seeds in peas
Allele
The ability or tendency of an organism or cell to maintain the internal equilibrium by adjusting its physiological processess
Homeostasis
The passing of traits to offspring
Heredity
A heterozygous condition in which both alleles at a gene locus are partially expressed, often producing an intermediate phenotype
Incomplete dominance
The physical appearance of an organism as distinguished from its genetic makeup: depends on which genes are dominant and on the interaction between genes and enviroment
Phenotype
The genetic makeup, as distinguished from the physical appearance, of an organism or a group of organisms
Genotype
The characteristic chromosome complement of a eukaryote species. The preparation and study is part of cytogenetics
Karyotype
Relating to the form of gene that is not expressed as a trait in an individual unless two suc genes are inherited, one from each parent
Recessive gene
An allele that produces the same phenotype whether its paired allele is identical or different
Dominant gene
The sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that determines the specific amino acid sequence in the synthesis of proteins. It is the biochemical basis of heredity and nearly universal in all organisms
Genetic code
A pyrimidine base that is a component of DNA. It forms a base pair with adenine
Thymine
A pyrimidine base that is a component of RNA. It forms a base pair with adenine during transcription
Uracil
Any compounds consisting of a necleoside combined with a phospate group and forming the basic constituent of DNA and RNA