INHERITANCE

Some important terms :

• Inheritance• Chromosome• Gene• Allele• Dominant gene• Recessive gene• Homogenous• Heterogenous• Phenotype• Genotype

Inheritance

• Passing on of characteristics from one generation to the next

Chromosome

• Long thread like structure in the nucleus of a cell.

Genes

• Small section of DNA coding for a particular character

Alleles

• Variation in a characteristic caused by different forms of a gene

In humans

Sex chromosomes

IN MALES IN FEMALES

Observe

• DOMINANT ALLELEThe character which is expressed Eg. Spotted coat in leopard

• RECESSIVE ALLELEThe character which is supressedEg. Black coat in black panther

HOMOZYGOUS

• An individual with two identical alleles for a gene

HETEROZYGOUS

• An individual with two different alleles for a gene

GENOTYPE

• The genetic makeup of an organism

PHENOTYPE

• The physical appearance of an organism