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Definition:
Units of heredity information that consist of DNA and are located on chromosomes. Genes can exist in alternative forms called alleles.
Related Terms
• Alleles
• Heterozygous
• Homozygous
Chromosomes and Gender
Chromosomes are long, stringy aggregates of genes that carry heredity information. Gender is determined by the presence or absence of certain chromosomes.
Law of Segregation
The principles that govern heredity were discovered by a monk named Gregor Mendel in the 1860's. One of these principles is now called Mendel's law of segregation.
Independent Assortment
This principle of heredity formulated by Gregor Mendel states that traits are transmitted to offspring independently of one another.
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Genes
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