Definitions

Question 1

Hyperplasia

Answer 1

Enlargement of an organ or tissue caused by an increase in the reproduction rate of its cells, often as an initial stage in the development of cancer.

Question 2

Aplasia

Answer 2

Defective development or congenital absence of an organ or tissue.

Question 3

Hypertrophy

Answer 3

The increase in the volume of an organ or tissue due the the enlargements of its component cells.

Question 4

Atrophy

Answer 4

The reabsorption and degradation of an organ or tissue, involving apoptosis. Often seen in muscle tissue due to the lack of physical activity.

Question 5

Syngamy

Answer 5

The fusion of gametes to initiate the development of a new individual organism. Synonymous to fertilization, conception, fecundation, and impregnation.

Question 6

Synapsis

Answer 6

The pairing of two homologous chromosomes that occurs during prophase I of meiosis.

Question 7

Capacitation

Answer 7

The process by which the glycoproteins coat and the seminal proteins are removed from the surface of a sperms acrosome by substances secreted by the uterus or Fallopian tubes of the female genital tract. It permits the acrosome reaction to occur.

Question 8

Implantation

Answer 8

The very early stage of pregnancy at which the concept us adheres to the wall of the uterus.

Question 9

Aneuploidy

Answer 9

The presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes within a cell (e.g. Trisomy and Monosomy).

Question 10

Euploidy

Answer 10

The gain of one or more complete sets of chromosomes.

Question 11

Monoploidy

Answer 11

The loss of an entire set of chromosomes.

Question 12

Pleiotrophy

Answer 12

When one gene influences two or more seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits.

Question 13

Metaplasia

Answer 13

Abnormal change in the nature of an organ or tissue.