Genetics and Heredity
Ready to Master These Words?
Play Hangman with this list — earn XP, build your streak, and lock words into long-term memory.
Glossary Reference
Scientific terms related to DNA, inheritance, genes, and biological traits.
dna
Deoxyribonucleic acid, a molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life.
genome
The complete set of genetic material present in a cell or organism.
chromosome
A chromosome is a long, thread-like structure composed of DNA and proteins that carries genetic information.
gene
A unit of hereditary information that occupies a specific location on a chromosome.
allele
An allele is a variant form of a gene that can occupy a specific location on a chromosome.
phenotype
The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.
genotype
The genetic constitution of an individual organism.
mutation
A change or alteration, typically in genetic structure.
heterozygous
Having different alleles for a particular gene.
homozygous
Having identical alleles for a specific gene.
inheritance
Something that is received from someone after their death, especially money or property.
dominant
Most important, powerful, or influential.
recessive
Describes a characteristic that can be masked by a dominant trait in genetics.
punnett square
A diagram used to predict the outcome of a genetic cross by showing all possible combinations of alleles from the parents.
genetic variation
Differences in the genetic makeup of individuals within a population.
locus
A particular place or location.
mendelian inheritance
The set of genetic principles formulated by Gregor Mendel that explains how traits are inherited through generations.
hybrid
A thing made by combining two different elements; a mixture.
transcription
The act of transcribing or a written or typed version of something.
translation
The process of translating words or text from one language into another.
List Mastery
Master all words in the Hangman Arena to achieve fluency.