GLOSSARY 
Aberrant.—Deviating from the normal range of variation of the group in which 
it is placed. ‘ 
Aberrations (Chromosome).—Irregularities in chromosome distribution during 
mitosis or meiosis. 
Acquired Character.—A modification of bodily structure or habit which is impressed 
on the organism in the course of the individual life. 
Aleurone.—The protein granules found in the endosperm of ripe seeds. In maize 
the aleurone is confined to a thin layer adjacent to the pericarp. 
Allelomorphs.—F actors occurring in the same locus in homologous chromosomes, 
and for this reason producing “contrasting” or ‘‘alternative’’ characters. 
Allogamous.—Requiring two individuals to accomplish sexual reproduction; also 
applied to plants which are normally cross-fertilized even though capable of self- 
fertilization. 
Amphimixis.—The mingling of hereditary units of two parents in sexual repro- 
duction. 
Antitoxin.—A substance, formed in the body of animals inoculated with certain 
bacteria, which has the power of neutralizing toxins formed by the corresponding 
organisms. 
Atavism.—The appearance of grandparental characters in an individual; con- 
trasted with reversion, which is the appearance of a more distant ancestral character. 
Autosome.—Any other chromosome than the sex-chromosomes. 
Autogamous.—Requiring only one individual to accomplish sexual reproduction; 
normally self-fertilized plants. 
Biometry.—The branch of science dealing with the statistical investigation of 
organic differences. 
Biotype.—A group of individuals all of which have the same genotype. Homo- 
zygous biotypes generally breed true but heterozygous biotypes do not. 
Blastogenic.— Originating in the germ-plasm. 
Bos.—A genus of hollow-horned ruminants having simple horns in both sexes, 
typical of the family Bovide and the sub-family Bovine, containing the oxen or 
cattle. 
Breeding.—The art of improving plants and animals, or the experimental in- 
vestigation of genetics by testing, hybridizing and selecting. 
Bud Mutation.—A mutation occurring in the very early history of a bud such that 
a branch is produced which differs genetically from the remainder of the plant. 
Bud Sport.—A branch, flower or fruit which differs genetically from the remainder 
of the plant. 
Calycine Flower.—A peculiar hose-in-hose type of abnormality. 
Capon.—A castrated male fowl. 
Castration.—The act of removing the sexual glands. 
Cell.—One of the independent protoplasmic bodies which build up an organic 
tissue. 
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