Mendelian Inheritance
One method in which genetic traits are passed from parents to offspring. Named for Gregor Mendel, who first studied and recognized the existence of genes and this method of inheritance. See also: autosomal dominant, recessive gene, sex-linked.

2. The mode of inheritance of all diploid species, and therefore of nearly all multicellular organisms. Inheritance is controlled by genes, which are passed on to the offspring in the same form as they were inherited from the previous generation. At each locus an individual has two genes - one inherited from its father and the other from its mother. The two genes are represented in equal proportions in its gametes.

Merozygote
A partially diploid bacterial cell produced by partial genetic exchange, such as conjugation involving an F'strain.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)
RNA that serves as a template for protein synthesis. RNA that contains information for the synthesis of a polypeptide.
2. A kind of RNA produced by transcription from the DNA and which acts as the message that decoded to form proteins.

Metabolism
The chemical reaction that occur in living cells, both synthesis and degradation.
2. chemical processes that occur in a living organism in order to maintain life. There are two kinds of metabolism: constructive metabolism, or anabolism, the synthesis of the proteins, carbohydrates, and fats which form tissue and store
energy; and destructive metabolism, or catabolism, the breakdown of complex substances, producing energy and waste matter.