Genetics Terminology: Alleles, Traits, Phenotype, Genotype, Dominance, Test Cross, Quizzes of Biology

Definitions for key genetics terms, including alleles, traits, characteristics, phenotype, genotype, dominant trait, recessive trait, and test cross. Alleles are alternative versions of a gene, while traits are observable characteristics such as height, hair color, and eye color. The phenotype is an organism's appearance, and the genotype is its genetic makeup. Dominant traits affect the organism's appearance, while recessive traits do not. A test cross is used to determine if a dominant trait is homozygous or heterozygous.