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Traits

Author: Nathan Lampson

 

The traits of an organism are determined by sequences of DNA passed down from generation to generation. 

One or more forms of a gene that produce different traits are called an allele.

 

Example:

One allele may produce a brown hair color, while another might produce blonde hair color.

Parents pass alleles to their offspring during reproduction. 

 

The type of allele contained in DNA is called a genotype.

Example:

Bob possesses the genetic allele in his DNA for a widows peak hairline.

 

The type of physical characteristic that is a result of a certain allele is called a phenotype.

Example:

Bob's widows peak hairline is his phenotype.

Traits