chapter 11

Question 0

heredity

Answer 0

the process by which organisms pass genetic traits on to their offspring

Question 1

genetics

Answer 1

science that accounts for natural differences and resemblances among organisms related by descent

Question 2

chromosome

Answer 2

a microscopic structure found within the nucleus of all living cells that carries genes responsible for the organism’s characteristics

Question 3

gene

Answer 3

a tiny segment of DNA found on a chromosome within a cell’s nucleus. each gene holds the formula for making a specific enzyme or protein

Question 4

genome

Answer 4

all the DNA in an organism, including its gene

Question 5

human genome project

Answer 5

a scientific project funded by the U.S. government, begun in 1990 and successfully completed in 2000, for the purpose of mapping all of a human’s genes.

Question 6

amniocentesis

Answer 6

a test whereby the physicians withdraws a sample of amniotic fluid (the fluid surrounding the developing fetus inside the mother’s womb) from the uterus of a pregnant woman. the fluid is then tested for genetic or other conditions that mat lead to abnormal development of the fetus

Question 7

mutation

Answer 7

a permanent change in DNA

Question 8

genetic counselor

Answer 8

an expert in human genetics who is qualified to counsel individuals who may have inherited genes for certain diseases or conditions

Question 9

genetic discrimination

Answer 9

differential treatment of individuals based on their actual or presumed genetic differences

Question 10

genetic engineering

Answer 10

manipulation of DNA within the cells of plants, animals, and other organisms through synthesis, alteration, or repair to ensure that certain harmful traits will be eliminated in offspring and that desirable traits will appear and be passed on

Question 11

clone

Answer 11

an organism produced asexually, usually from a single cell of the parent

Question 12

cloning

Answer 12

the process by which organisms are created asexually, usually from a single cell of the parent organism

Question 13

xenotransplantation

Answer 13

transplantation of animal tissues and organs into humans

Question 14

stem cells

Answer 14

cells that have the potential to become any type of body cell

Question 15

multipotent stem cells

Answer 15

stem cells that can become a limited number of types of tissues and cells in the body

Question 16

pluripotent stem cells

Answer 16

stem cells that can become almost all types of tissues and cells in the body

Question 17

gene therapy

Answer 17

treating harmful genetic diseases or traits by eliminating or modifying the harmful gene

Question 18

infertility

Answer 18

the failure to conceive for a period of 12 months or longer due to a deviation from or interruption of the normal structure or function of any reproductive part, organ, or system

Question 19

in vitro fertilization (IVF)

Answer 19

fertilization that takes place outside a woman’s body, literally “in glass,” as in a test tube

Question 20

artificial insemination

Answer 20

the mechanical injection of viable semen into the vagina

Question 21

homologous artificial insemination

Answer 21

the process in which a husband’s sperm is mechanically injected into his wife’s vagina to fertilize her eggs

Question 22

surrogate mother

Answer 22

a woman who becomes pregnant, usually by artificial insemination or surgical implantation of a fertilized egg, and bears a child for another woman

Question 23

heterologous artificial insemination

Answer 23

the process in which donor sperm is mechanically injected into a woman’s vagina to fertilize her eggs

Question 24

parens patriae

Answer 24

a legal doctrine that gives the state the authority to act in a child’s best interest

Question 25

safe haven laws

Answer 25

state laws that allow mothers to abandon newborns to designated safe facilities without penalty

Question 26

mature minors

Answer 26

individuals in their mid- to late teens who, for health care purposes, are considered mature enough to comprehend a physician’s recommendations and give informed consent

Question 27

emancipated minors

Answer 27

individuals in their mid- to late teens who legally live outside parents’ or guardians’ control