Gene Specific nucleotide sequence in DNA which

codes for a functional product that

determines a particular characteristic. It is
located at a specific locus on the
chromosome.

Allele Alternative form of gene, occurs as a pair of

alleles at same gene locus. Different allele
of same gene have a unique nucleotide
sequence

Gene locus Specific position of a gene along the length

of a chromosome

Homozygote An organism with a pair of identical alleles

for a gene at a particular locus on a pair of
homologous chromosomes

Heterozygote An organism with two different alleles for a

gene at a particular locus on a pair of
homologous chromosomes

Dominant An allele that can manifest itself at the

exclusion of the other allele, fully expressed
in phenotype of a heterozygote

Recessive Phenotypic effect of recessive allele

completely masked in the presence of a
dominant allele, thus recessive allele is
completely masked in the phenotype in a
heterozygote

Codominant An allele that can manifest itself with

another allele. Both alleles of a gene are
fully expressed and manifested in the
phenotype of a heterozygote

Incomplete Dominance An allele that does not show complete

dominance or recessiveness over another
allele. Phenotype of heterozygote is
intermediate between phenotypes of
individuals homozygous for either allele.

Linkage When 2 genes are located on the same

chromosome, they are linked

Genotype Genetic constitution of an organism

Phenotype Observable physical and psychological trait

of an organism