Biological Beginnings Flashcards
Threadlike structures that come in 23 pairs, with one member of each pair coming from each parent. Contain the genetic substance of DNA
Chromosomes
A complex molecule that contains genetic information
DNA
Units of hereditary information composed of DNA. Helps cells to reproduce themselves and manufacture proteins that sustain life
Genes
Cellular reproduction in which the cell’s nucleus duplicates itself with two new cells being formed, each containing the same DNA as the parent cell, arranged in the same 23 pairs of chromosomes
Mitosis
A specialized form of cell division that occurs to form eggs and sperm (gametes)
Meiosis
A stage in reproduction when an egg and a sperm fuse to create a single cell called a zygote
Fertilization
A person’s genetic heritage; the actual genetic material
Genotype
The way an individual’s genotype is expressed in observed and measurable characteristics
Phenotype
A form of intellectual disability that is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. Mild to severe intellectual disability and physical abnormalities.
Down syndrome
An extra X chromosome causes physical abnormalities (only in males)
Klinefelter syndrome (XXY)
An abnormality in the X chromosome can cause intellectual disability, learning disabilities, or short attention span. Occurs mostly in males than females.
Fragile X syndrome
A missing X chromosome in females can cause intellectual disability and sexual underdevelopment
Turner Syndrome (XO)
An extra Y chromosome that can cause above-average height (only in males)
XYY syndrome
Glandular dysfunction that interferes with
mucus production; breathing and digestion are
hampered, resulting in a shortened life span.
Cystic fibrosis
Body does not produce enough insulin, which
causes abnormal metabolism of sugar.
Diabetes
Delayed blood clotting causes internal and
external bleeding.
Hemophilia
Central nervous system deteriorates,
producing problems in muscle coordination
and mental deterioration
Huntington’s disease
Metabolic disorder that, left untreated, causes
intellectual disability and hyperactivity.
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Blood disorder that limits the body’s oxygen
supply; it can cause joint swelling, as well as
heart and kidney failure
Sickle cell anemia
Neural tube disorder that causes brain and
spine abnormalities.
Spina bifida
Deceleration of mental and physical
development caused by an accumulation of
lipids in the nervous system.
Tay-Sachs disease
The field that seeks to discover the influence of heredity and environment on individual differences in human traits and development
Behavior genetics
A study in which the behavioral similarity of identical twins is compared with the behavioral similarity of fraternal twins
Twin study
A study in which investigator’s seeks to discover whether, in behavior and psychological characteristics, adopted children are more like their adoptive parents, who provided a home environment, or more like their biological parents, who contributed their heredity
Adoption study
