Chapter 4 - Vocabulary Flashcards
Asexual Reproduction
the production of offspring from a single parent; the genetic makeup of the offspring is identical to that of the parent.
Autosomes
non-sex chromosomes.
Biotechnology
the use and modification of organisms for applications in engineering, industry, and medicine.
Chromatin
the tangled strands of DNA and protein within a eukaryotic nucleus.
Cloning
the process of producing one individual that is genetically identical to another, using a single cell or tissue.
Crossing Over
the exchange of chromosome segments between homologous pairs during synapsis.
Cytokinesis
the process in which a eukaryotic cell divides its cytoplasm into two new daughter cells.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
a molecule that carries genetic information in cells.
Down Syndrome
a chromosomal abnormality in which an individual has three copies of chromosome number 21; also referred to as trisomy 21.
Fertilization
the formation of a zygote by the joining together, or fusion, of two gametes.
Fragmentation
a method of asexual reproduction in which a piece or body fragment of the parent organism develops into a mature individual.
Gamete
a sex cell; includes sperm cells in males and egg cells in females.
Gametogenesis
the production of gametes (sex cells) in animals
Gene
a segment of a DNA molecule that codes for a particular trait; found at a specific location on a chromosome.
Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)
an organism in which the genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
Genetics
the branch of biology dealing with heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.
Heredity
the passing of traits from parents to offspring.
Homologous Chromosomes
matching pairs of chromosomes, similar in size and carrying information for the same genes
Interphase
the portion of the cell cycle between mitotic divisions when the genetic material (in the form of chromatin) is duplicated.
Karyotype
the chromosomes of an individual that have been sorted and arranged according to size and type.
Locus
the location of a gene on a chromosome.
Maternal Inheritance
a type of inheritance in which a zygote formed from two gametes inherits cytoplasmic DNA from only the female gamete.
Meiosis
a two-stage cell division in which the resulting daughter cells have half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell; results in the formation of gametes or spores.
Mitosis
the process by which a eukaryotic cell divides the genetic material in its nucleus into two new identical nuclei.
Monosomy
a chromosomal abnormality in which there is a single chromosome in place of a homologous pair.
Nondisjunction
the failure of homologous chromosomes to move to opposite poles of the cell during meiosis; results in an abnormal number of chromosomes in the daughter cells.
Oogenesis
the production of mature egg cells.
Ova
female sex cells (egg cells).
Paternal Inheritance
a type of inheritance in which a zygote formed from two gametes inherits cytoplasmic DNA from only the male gamete.
Polypoid
having more than two sets of chromosomes; many plants are polyploids.
Prenatal Testing
testing for a genetic disorder that occurs prior to birth.
Sex Chromosomes
chromosomes that differ in males and females of the same species; the combination of sex chromosomes determines the sex of the offspring.
Sexual Reproduction
the production of offspring from the fusion of two sex cells (usually from two different parents); the genetic makeup of the offspring is different from that of either parent.
Sister Chromatid
the identical copy of a single chromosome that remains attached to the original chromosome at the centromere.
Spermatogenesis
the production of mature sperm cells.
Synapsis
the physical pairing up of homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis.
Tetrad
a pair of homologous chromosomes, each with two sister chromatids.
Trisomy
a chromosomal abnormality in which there are three homologous chromosomes in place of a homologous pair.
Zygote
a cell produced by the fusion of two gametes.