inheritance- key terms Flashcards
Define Chromosomes
made of DNA, which contains genetic information in the form of genes
Define Gene
a length of DNA that codes for a protein
Define Allele
an alternative form of a gene
Define Haploid nucleus
a nucleus containing a single set of unpaired chromosomes (e.g., sperm and egg)
Define Diploid nucleus
a nucleus containing two sets of chromosomes (e.g., in body cells)
Define DNA
controls cell function by controlling the production of proteins, including enzymes, membrane carriers, and receptors for neurotransmitters
Define Mitosis
The nuclear division gives rise to genetically identical cells
Define stem cells
unspecialised cells that divide by mitosis to produce daughter cells that can become specialised for specific functions
Define Meiosis
Reduction division in which the chromosome number is halved from diploid to haploid
Define inheritance
The transmission of genetic information from generation to generation.