* Gene: A segment of DNA that codes for a specific trait (e.g., eye color, height).
* Allele: A variant form of a gene. Each individual inherits two alleles for each gene, one from each parent.
* Genotype: The specific combination of alleles an individual possesses for a particular gene.
Example:
Let's say the gene for eye color has two alleles:
* B: Brown eye allele
* b: Blue eye allele
A parent with the genotype BB would have two brown eye alleles. A parent with the genotype Bb would have one brown eye allele and one blue eye allele.
Understanding the parents' genotype is crucial in predicting the potential genotype and phenotype (physical trait) of their offspring. This is the basis of inheritance patterns studied in genetics.
