7th Grade Science

Watch this video to study the words you need to know for Heredity and Genetics

Definition of Gametes Gametes are the reproductive cells used during sexual reproduction to produce a new organism called a zygote. The gametes in males and females are different. The male gamete is called sperm. It is much smaller than the female gamete and very mobile. It has a long tail, flagellum, that allows it to move towards the female gamete. The female gamete is called an egg or ova. It is much larger than the sperm and is not made to move.

Chromosomes are tiny structures inside cells made from DNA and protein. The information inside chromosomes acts like a recipe that tells cells how to function and replicate. Every form of life has its own unique set of instructions, including you.

Genes. Genes are parts of DNA and carry hereditary information passed from parents to children. Genes contain blue-print for each individual for her or his specific traits. Dominant. Dominant version (allele) of a gene shows its specific trait even if only one parent passed the gene to the child.

An allele is a form of a gene at a particular position (locus) on a chromosome. It is the bit of coding DNA at that place. Typical plants and animals have two sets of chromosomes, one set inherited from each parent. These organisms are called diploid.  

Phenotype is the observable traits of an organism that result from their genotype. Traits such as hair color or the ability to roll your tongue are part of an individual's phenotype. It includes characteristics such as size, shape, color, and behavior. Phenotype is affected by environment and can change over time.

Genotype is the inner genetic information that determines the outward appearance, or phenotype. Genotype is the genetic makeup of an organism. ... In sexual reproduction, the parents' genotypes contribute to the child's genetic makeup. Phenotype is the observable traits of an organism that result from their genotype.

Haploid is the condition of a cell having a one set of chromosomes. By reducing the DNA material in the gametes to haploid, many new combinations are possible within the offspring. 

Diploid means two copies of chromosomes in a cell, one from mom and one from dad. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes in every cell, from muscle to bone to skin and brain cells. These cells become different even though they have the same DNA because not all of the DNA is expressed.

A genome is an organism's complete set of genetic instructions. Each genome contains all of the information needed to build that organism and allow it to grow and develop.