Unit 1: Genetics Flashcards
What is the definition of “genetics”?
The study of heredity and variation of inherited characteristics.
What is the purpose of DNA?
DNA stores the hereditary information in organisms. It is the information carrying molecule in the nucleus.
What is a Chromatin?
It is a term used to describe the genetic material during interphase. It contains all of the DNA molecules and the associated proteins in the nucleus.
What are genes?
They are a segment of DNA that encodes for a specific piece of information or trait. They are found at a specific location of the chromosome.
What are Diploids?
Diploids are cells that have 2 copies of each chromosome?
What are Haploids?
Haploids are cells that have half the number of chromosomes: 23.
What are chromosomes?
Chromosomes are the individual coiled up molecules of DNA. We have 46.
What are homologous chromosomes?
They are chromosomes that code for the same information. They are not genetically identical.
What is a chromatid?
A chromatid is the single “arm” in a duplicated chromosome.
What are sister chromosomes?
They are the two chromatids of a duplicated chromosome that are attached together at their centromere. They are genetically identical.
What is interphase? What occurs during this period?
- Cells undergo their normal activities: obtaining energy, synthesizing products, and repairing damage
- Cells carry out their normal processes
- DNA is replicated for cell division
- Cells begin final preparations for cell division
What occurs during prophase?
- The nucleus dissolves
- Spindle fibres migrate to the end of the cell
- The cell wall begins to fade
What occurs during Metaphase?
- Chromosomes line up in the middle
- Spindle fibres attach to the centromere
What occurs during Anaphase?
- The spindle fibres pull the chromatids apart
What occurs during Telophase?
- Two nucleus membranes form around the chromosomes (only one cell)
