Heredity Test Flashcards
Define DNA
The genetic instructions for making each individual; can be found in the nucleus of each cell, is composed of nucleotides (special molecules) the order of the nucleotide creates your specific genetic code
How many chromosomes do humans have?
46
Define a Chromosome
A tightly coiled piece of DNA
Define a Gene
A section of DNA that codes for protein in the body (leads to the production of a trait)
DNA contains sections that code for specific traits called genes.
Define Allele
One form of a gene (Blue eyes or no blue eyes)
Meiosis
The process of organisms producing sex cells (sperm, egg) 23 chromosomes
Mitosis
The process of eukaryotic cells (body cells) split into two identical daughter cells
For growth and repair
Asexual Reproduction
One organism produces one or more new organisms (offspring) that are genetically identical to parent.
What are the four types of Asexual Reproduction?
1.) Binary Fission: In prokaryotes, parent cell splits in two forming two new organisms
Example: Bacteria
2.) Budding: Organism develops tiny buds which grow until it becomes a full sized organism and separates from parent (mitosis)
3.) Spores: When an organism releases a specialized cell that can survive harsh conditions, develops into an organism
Example: Fungi
4.) Vegetative Reproduction: Any form of asexual reproduction occurring in plants in which a new plant grows from a fragment of the parent plant.
What are the Pro’s and Con’s of Asexual Reproduction?
Pro’s: Occurs quickly, parent doesn’t need partner, identical to parents, everyone can reproduce.
Con’s: No variation-Everyone’s identical, Organisms won’t survive environmental changes, cannot adapt.
Sexual Reproduction
Two parents each contribute a sex cell to a new organism, each organism has equal pairs of chromosomes (23 for humans), organism inherits half of DNA from each parent.
Pro’s and Con’s of Sexual Reproduction
Pro’s: Produces genetically unique individuals, likely to survive changes in environment
Con’s: Requires two parents, reproduction occurs slowly
Heredity
The passing of physical traits from parents to offspring (height, eye color, hair color)
Genes
DNA contains sections that code for specific traits called genes
Ribosome
Cell structure that reads the genes to make proteins, which then produces the trait.
Mutations
Random changes in organisms genes, can be random errors or triggered by chemicals or radiation, if mutation is in sperm or egg cell DNA can be passed from parent to offspring
What are the three types of Mutations?
1.) Deletion- A base has been deleted
2.) Substitution- A base has been switched with another base
3.) Addition- A new base has been added
Allele
One of two (or more) alternative forms of a gene that are found in the same place on a chromosome
Each organism inherits 1 allele of each gene from each parent-one from mother and one from father
Dominant
One whos trait always shows up when you match that allele
Recessive
One whose trait is hidden whenever dominant allele is present must have 2 recessive traits
Genotype
The genetic composition of an individual organism including all alleles they received
Ex: BB Bb
Phenotype
Set of observable characteristics of an individual which comes from dominant alleles and environmental influences
Ex: Hair color
Homzygous
Means having two of the same alleles for a gene
Heterozygous
Means having two different alleles for each gene
Nature
Genes influence the different traits we have, determine eye color, hair color, ear size, height and other physical traits, can influence personality but not to what extent it plays a role
Nurture
The influences of our environment impact our behavior, environment, upbringing, social influences, also have impacts on behavior
How are traits made?
Traits are made when a section of DNA called genes get read by the ribosome to make proteins which produce the trait
