Inheritance Flashcards
What is inheritance?
The transmission of genetic information from generation to generation
What does diploid mean?
A nucleus containing two sets of chromosomes
What does haploid mean?
A nucleus containing a single set of unpaired chromosomes
A chromosome is…
A thread-like structure of DNA that carries genetic information in the form of genes
A gene is a..
A length of DNA that codes for a protein
What is an allele?
A version of a gene
What is a codon?
A three base sequence that codes for an amino acid
How is the function of cell determined?
DNA controls the production of proteins(e.g. enzymes) , antibodies and receptors for neurotransmitters
Meosis is…
Reduction division in which the chromosome number is halved from diploid to haploid. It creates genetically different cells
What is mitosis?
Nulcear division that creates genetically identical daughter cells that are diploid
What is the function of mitosis?
It is used to create exact copies of new cells to help with growth, repair of damaged tissues, replacement of cells and asexual reproduction.
What are stem cells?
Unspecialised cells that divide by mitosis to produce daughter cells that can become specialised for specific functions.
How are proteins made?
- The gene coding for a protein remains in the nucleus
- mRNA molecules carry a copy of the gene to the cytoplasm
- The mRNA passes through ribosomes
- The ribosome assembles amino acids into protein molecules
- The specific order of amino acids is dermined by the sequence of bases in the mRNA
What does the sequence of bases in a gene do?
It is the genetic code for putting together amino acids in the correct order to make a specific protein
How does meosis provide variation?
It creates new combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes
