IMPORTANT TERMS

• Genes: Functional unit of heredity

• Alleles: Alternative forms of the same gene; for
example, the gene for plant height in pea plant has
two alleles Tor t
• Homozygous- when the factors or genes of a trait
are similar e.g., TT or tt
• Heterozygous- when the factors or genes of a trait
are different e.g., Tt
• Dominant - it is the the character trait that is able
to express itself over another contrasting trait. for
example tall plant is dominant over dwarf plant.
• Recessive - it is a character trait that is unable to
express itself over another contrasting trait.
• Mutation - The sudden change in one or more
genes or in the number or in the structure
• Variation - The diffe,r ence in the chariatters or
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traits among the individuals of a species is called

variation. F.or, example,.in :most peopJe, the earlobe
is hanging and is called a lree earlobe. However, in
some people, the earlobe is closely attached to the
side of the Head, and it is called an attached
earl0:be.
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• Phenotype: It is the physical expression of

eflarocter-; tor example, ta,11 and dwarf plants.
• Genotype: It is the genetic constitution ofan
o,ganism; tor example~ff or TI Js the genotype for
tall plants While tt is the genotype for dwarf pfan&S..