genetics p1 Flashcards
Genetics and Chromosomes
Study of heredity; chromosomes are DNA structures carrying genes.
Example sentence: Genetics and chromosomes play a crucial role in determining inherited traits.
DNA Structure
Double helix made of nucleotides (sugar, phosphate, nitrogenous bases A, T, G, C).
Additional information: The DNA structure is essential for storing genetic information.
Asexual Reproduction (Interphase and Mitosis)
Reproduction from one parent; interphase prepares for division; mitosis divides the nucleus.
Example sentence: Asexual reproduction involves the division of cells without the need for a mate.
Sexual Reproduction (Meiosis)
Involves two parents; meiosis produces haploid gametes.
Example sentence: Sexual reproduction leads to genetic diversity through the combination of genetic material from two parents.
Crossing Over and Gametogenesis
Exchange of genetic material in meiosis; gametogenesis forms sperm (spermatogenesis) and eggs (oogenesis).
Example sentence: Crossing over during meiosis results in genetic variation.
Sex Determination and Non-disjunction
Mechanism determining sex; non-disjunction is chromosome separation failure.
Example sentence: Sex determination is influenced by specific genes on the chromosomes.
Amniocentesis
Prenatal test sampling amniotic fluid for genetic analysis.
Example sentence: Amniocentesis is commonly used to detect genetic disorders in unborn babies.
Asexual Reproduction
Single-parent reproduction, producing clones.
Example sentence: Asexual reproduction is common in plants like strawberries and potatoes.
Body/Somatic Cell
Non-reproductive cell in an organism.
Example sentence: Somatic cells make up the majority of cells in the human body.
Cell Plate
Forms during plant cell cytokinesis to divide cells.
Example sentence: The cell plate is crucial for the division of plant cells during cytokinesis.
Chorionic Villus Sampling
Prenatal test sampling placenta for genetic disorders.
Example sentence: Chorionic villus sampling is an invasive prenatal test that can detect genetic abnormalities early in pregnancy.
Chromatin
DNA-protein complex that condenses into chromosomes.
Example sentence: Chromatin undergoes condensation to form visible chromosomes during cell division.
Chromosome
DNA structure with genetic information; humans have 46.
Example sentence: Each human cell typically contains 46 chromosomes.
Cleavage Furrow
Indentation in animal cells during cytokinesis.
Example sentence: The cleavage furrow marks the site of cell division in animal cells.
Complementary Base Pair Rule
A pairs with T, G pairs with C in DNA.
Example sentence: The complementary base pair rule ensures accurate DNA replication.
Crossing Over
Genetic material exchange between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.
Example sentence: Crossing over increases genetic diversity by swapping genetic material between chromosomes.
Cytokinesis
Cytoplasm division following mitosis/meiosis.
Example: Cytokinesis ensures that the two daughter cells are separated after cell division.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid / DNA
Molecule carrying genetic instructions.
DNA is composed of nucleotides that form a double helix structure.
Diploid Cell
Cell with two chromosome sets (e.g., somatic cells).
Diploid cells have homologous pairs of chromosomes.
Gamete
Reproductive cell with a haploid set of chromosomes.
Gametes unite during fertilization to form a zygote.
Gametogenesis (Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis)
Formation of gametes (sperm and eggs).
Spermatogenesis occurs in the testes, while oogenesis occurs in the ovaries.
Gene
DNA segment encoding a trait.
Genes are responsible for determining an organism’s characteristics.
Haploid Cell
Cell with one chromosome set (e.g., gametes).
Haploid cells have half the number of chromosomes compared to diploid cells.
Heredity
Trait transmission from parents to offspring.
Heredity involves the passing of genetic information from one generation to the next.
Karyotype vs. Karyogram
Karyotype is chromosome count/type; karyogram is its visual representation.
A karyogram is created by arranging chromosomes by size, banding pattern, and other features.
Locus
Specific gene location on a chromosome.
The locus of a gene can be identified using molecular techniques.
Meiosis
Cell division producing four haploid cells.
Meiosis involves two rounds of division to create genetically diverse gametes.
Mitosis
Cell division yielding two identical diploid cells.
Mitosis is essential for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in organisms.
Monosomy
One chromosome instead of a pair.
Monosomy can lead to genetic disorders such as Turner syndrome.
Nitrogenous Base (A, T, G, C)
DNA building blocks (adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine).
The pairing of nitrogenous bases forms the rungs of the DNA double helix.
Non-disjunction
Chromosome separation failure during cell division.
Non-disjunction can result in aneuploidy, where cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes.
Nucleotide
DNA/RNA building block (base, sugar, phosphate).
Nucleotides are the basic units of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA.
Polyploid
More than two chromosome sets.
Polyploidy is common in plants and can lead to increased genetic diversity.
Sexual Reproduction
Fusion of gametes from two parents.
Sexual reproduction promotes genetic variation in offspring.
Syndrome
Group of symptoms indicating a condition.
Certain genetic syndromes are caused by chromosomal abnormalities.
Trait
Characteristic influenced by genetics.
Example: Eye color
Trisomy
Three copies of a chromosome (e.g., Down syndrome).
Example: Trisomy 21
Zygote
Fertilized egg that develops into an embryo.
Example: Formation of a zygote after fertilization
