Topic 6:Inheritance, Variation and Evolution Flashcards
Adult cell cloning
A type of cloning that forms an embryo from an adult body cell.
Allele
A version of a gene
Amino acids
Small molecules from which proteins are assembled.
Archaea
Primitive bacteria existing in extreme environments
Asexual reproduction
A form of reproduction involving a single parent. Creates genetically
identical offspring.
Binomial system
The universal system of naming organisms using their genus and
species.
Charles Darwin
The scientist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection
Chromosome
A long, coiled molecule of DNA that carries genetic information in the form of
genes.
Classification
The organisation of organisms into groups based on their characteristics and
structure.
Coding DNA
A sequence of DNA that codes for the production of a protein.
Complementary
Describes how the chemical bases in DNA pair up with each other. A
pairs with T and C pairs with G.
Cuttings
The simplest method of cloning plants. A branch is cut from a parent plant and
replanted in compost after removing the lower leaves.
Cystic fibrosis
A cellular membrane disorder resulting from the presence of a recessive allele.
DNA
A double-stranded polymer wound to form a double helix. Carries the genetic code.
Dominant
Describes an allele that is always expressed. Represented by a capital letter.
Embryo screening
A procedure used to determine the presence of faulty genes in an embryo produced by IVF. A few embryonic cells are removed and screened for defective alleles.
Embryo transplants
The simplest method of animal cloning. Cells are removed from a developing embryo, split apart and grown in culture, before being transplanted into host mothers.
Evolution
The gradual change in the inherited traits within a population over time. Occurs due to natural selection.
Evolutionary tree
A diagram which illustrates the evolutionary relationships between
organisms.
Extinction
The death of all members of a species
Family tree
A chart used to show the inheritance of a condition in a family.
Fertilisation
The fusion of the nucleus of male and female gametes. Restores the full chromosome number.