Species & Reproduction Mind Map
← Species & ReproductionHow traits pass from parents to offspring through genes and alleles, how to predict offspring with a Punnett square, and how sexual and asexual reproduction compare.
- heredityThe passing of traits from parents to offspring.Heredity explains why you have your mother’s eye color.
- traitA feature of an organism, like eye color or leaf shape.Freckles are an inherited trait.
- chromosomeA structure made of DNA and associated proteins that carries many genes.A human chromosome can carry many genes.
- geneA segment of DNA with instructions used by cells; it can influence one or more traits.One gene controls whether pea seeds are round or wrinkled.
- alleleOne form of a gene, such as the form for purple flowers or white flowers.Each parent passes one allele for each gene.
- dominant alleleA gene version expressed in a heterozygote in a simple inheritance model; it is often represented by a capital letter.The dominant allele B gives purple flowers.
- recessive alleleA gene version masked in a heterozygote in a simple inheritance model; it is often represented by a lowercase letter.A plant needs two copies of the recessive allele b to have white flowers.
- co-dominanceAn inheritance pattern in which both gene versions are expressed in a heterozygote.Co-dominance gave the cow red and white hairs.
- genetic modificationChanging an organism’s genes on purpose using technology.Genetic modification made this corn resist insects.
- genotypeThe allele combination an organism has, such as BB, Bb, or bb for one gene in a simple model.The genotype Bb means one of each allele.
- phenotypeAn observable or measurable characteristic influenced by an organism’s genes and environment.Plants with BB and Bb have the same phenotype.
- homozygousHaving two identical alleles for a gene, like BB or bb.A homozygous plant passes the same allele to every offspring.
- heterozygousHaving two different alleles for a gene, like Bb.A heterozygous plant can pass on either allele.
- Punnett squareA chart used to predict the possible genotypes of offspring.The Punnett square showed a 1 in 4 chance of white flowers.
- probabilityHow likely it is that something will happen.The probability of a white-flowered plant is 25%.
- sexual reproductionProducing offspring by joining sex cells, usually with genetic information from two parents.Sexual reproduction mixes traits from both parents.
- gameteA sex cell, like a sperm or egg, with half the usual number of chromosomes.Each gamete carries one copy of every chromosome.
- meiosisCell division that makes sex cells with half the usual number of chromosomes.Meiosis makes four egg or sperm cells from one cell.
- fertilizationA sperm cell and an egg cell joining to start a new organism.Fertilization happens inside the flower.
- zygoteThe first cell of a new organism, formed by fertilization.The zygote divides again and again.
- offspringThe young of a living thing.The cat had four offspring.
- asexual reproductionProducing offspring without fusion of sex cells, usually from one parent; offspring are genetically very similar except for mutations.A strawberry plant can make new plants by asexual reproduction.
- mitosisDivision of a cell’s nucleus that separates copied chromosomes into two nuclei with the same chromosome set.Mitosis helps a body grow.
- cloneA cell or organism genetically very similar to the one from which it was copied; mutations can still occur.A plant grown from a cutting is a clone.
- bacteriaTiny one-celled organisms. Many reproduce by splitting in two.Bacteria can double in number every 20 minutes.