chapter 11 Flashcards
heredity
the process by which organisms pass genetic traits on to their offspring
genetics
science that accounts for natural differences and resemblances among organisms related by descent
chromosome
a microscopic structure found within the nucleus of all living cells that carries genes responsible for the organism’s characteristics
gene
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
genome
all the DNA in an organism, including its gene
human genome project
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.
amniocentesis
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
mutation
a permanent change in DNA
genetic counselor
an expert in human genetics who is qualified to counsel individuals who may have inherited genes for certain diseases or conditions
genetic discrimination
differential treatment of individuals based on their actual or presumed genetic differences
genetic engineering
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
clone
an organism produced asexually, usually from a single cell of the parent
cloning
the process by which organisms are created asexually, usually from a single cell of the parent organism
xenotransplantation
transplantation of animal tissues and organs into humans
stem cells
cells that have the potential to become any type of body cell
multipotent stem cells
stem cells that can become a limited number of types of tissues and cells in the body
pluripotent stem cells
stem cells that can become almost all types of tissues and cells in the body
gene therapy
treating harmful genetic diseases or traits by eliminating or modifying the harmful gene
infertility
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
in vitro fertilization (IVF)
fertilization that takes place outside a woman’s body, literally “in glass,” as in a test tube
artificial insemination
the mechanical injection of viable semen into the vagina
homologous artificial insemination
the process in which a husband’s sperm is mechanically injected into his wife’s vagina to fertilize her eggs
surrogate mother
a woman who becomes pregnant, usually by artificial insemination or surgical implantation of a fertilized egg, and bears a child for another woman
heterologous artificial insemination
the process in which donor sperm is mechanically injected into a woman’s vagina to fertilize her eggs
parens patriae
a legal doctrine that gives the state the authority to act in a child’s best interest
safe haven laws
state laws that allow mothers to abandon newborns to designated safe facilities without penalty
mature minors
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
emancipated minors
individuals in their mid- to late teens who legally live outside parents’ or guardians’ control
