heredity (redirected from heredities)

heredity /he·red·i·ty/ (-te)

1. the genetic transmission of a particular quality or trait from parent to offspring.

2. the genetic constitution of an individual.

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he·red·i·ty (h-rd-t)

n.

1. The genetic transmission of characteristics from parent to offspring.

2. One's genetic constitution.

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heredity,

n the passing on from one generation to their offspring of genetic traits or other tendencies. See also constitution, disposition, terrain, and trait.

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heredity (hered´itē),

n the inheritance of resemblance, physical qualities, or disease from a familial predecessor; the passage of characteristics from one generation to its progeny by genetic linkage.

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heredity

the transmission of genetic traits from parents to offspring. The hereditary material is DNA in the ovum and sperm, so that the offspring's heredity is determined at the moment of conception.

Inside the nucleus of each germ cell are structures called chromosomes. A chromosome is composed of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) which is associated with histone proteins. Genes are segments of the DNA molecule; there are an estimated 100,000 genes in each cell. Most genes carry code for a specific protein which may be recognized as a specific hereditary trait. These traits are physical, biochemical and physiological. Thus genes affect not only the physical appearance of an animal but also its behavior, physiological makeup, its tendency to develop certain diseases, and the daily activities of all the cells of its body. See also inheritance.

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heredity The transmission of characteristics from one generation to the next. See Progeny. Cf Congenital.