Genetics and Evolution Flashcards
What is the study of heredity?
It is called genetics. Understanding how one characteristic or gene is passed down from one generation to another though the fundamental unit of heredity.
What is cell theory?
The concept of all living organisms are made out of cells:
- That they are the smallest unit of life
- cells come from pre-existing cells
What does DNA stand for?
Name the shape it makes.
What are the four bases of the sequence?
- Deoxyribonucleic acid
- Double helix
. Thymine
. Guanine
. Cyanine
. Adenine
What is Mitosis?
When one original parent cell divides once (asexual process) to produce two identical daughter cells. Creates new body cells that are used for growth and repair. The process includes 4 steps of prophase(chromosomes coil), metaphase (line up in the middle), Anaphase (moves to end of cell) and telophase (the cytoplasm separates, chromosomes uncoil). Creates 2 diploid cells (diploid means that they have two pairs of matching chromosomes)
What is Meiosis?
A cell division where one original parent cell divides twice to produce 4 non identical daughter cells. 1st is to create 2 diploid, then 4 haploid (where there is no pairs of chromosomes). Uses to produce sex cells such as sperm to reproduce sexually with another sex cell. Allows genetic diversity since there are different combinations of parental chromosomes
Why is the nucleus often referred to as a control center of a cell?
It is responsible for determining & controlling what a cell looks like and what it does.
What is a gene? What is a chromosome?
A gene is a sequence of DNA, and a unit of heredity. (segment of DNA)
A chromosome is a structure found in the nucleus that contains DNA, proteins and genetic information. Structure that holds lots of genes.
