Unit 3 List 2 DNA & Heredity JGC Flashcards
Allele
one of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome.
Centromere
the region of a chromosome to which the microtubules of the spindle attach, via the kinetochore, during cell division.
Chromatid
one of the two identical halves of a chromosome that has been replicated in preparation for cell division.
Chromosome
a threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
Codon (chart)
The RNA codon chart helps us to identify which codons specify which amino acids. Codon recognition describes the ability of codons to match with the appropriate amino acids. Good codon recognition is essential to the correct assembly of polypeptides, which in turn leads to the production of the right proteins.
Crossing Over
a cellular process that happens during meiosis when chromosomes of the same type are lined up.
Daughter Cell
the cells that are formed after cell division.
Deletion
A type of genetic change that involves the absence of a segment of DNA.
Diploid
(of a cell or nucleus) containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid (abbreviated DNA) is the molecule that carries genetic information for the development and functioning of an organism. DNA is made of two linked strands that wind around each other to resemble a twisted ladder — a shape known as a double helix.
Fertilization
Fertilization is defined as the union of two gametes. During fertilization, sperm and egg fuse to form a diploid zygote to initiate prenatal development.
Frameshift
A frameshift mutation is a genetic mutation caused by a deletion or insertion in a DNA sequence that shifts the way the sequence is read.
Gamete
a mature haploid male or female germ cell which is able to unite with another of the opposite sex in sexual reproduction to form a zygote.
Gene
(in informal use) a unit of heredity which is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring.
Gene Mutation
is a change in one or more genes. Some mutations can lead to genetic disorders or illnesses.
Genetic Code
The genetic code is the set of rules used by living cells to translate information encoded within genetic material into proteins.
Genetic Variation
Genetic variation is the difference in DNA among individuals or the differences between populations among the same species. The multiple sources of genetic variation include mutation and genetic recombination.
Haploid
Haploid refers to the presence of a single set of chromosomes in an organism’s cells.
Homologous Chromosome
A pair of homologous chromosomes, or homologs, is a set of one maternal and one paternal chromosome that pair up with each other inside a cell during fertilization.
Independent Assortment
describes how different genes independently separate from one another when reproductive cells develop.
Insertion
A type of genetic change that involves the addition of a segment of DNA.
Meiosis
a type of cell division in sexually reproducing organisms that reduces the number of chromosomes in gametes
Meiosis I
homologous chromosomes first pair with one another and then segregate to different daughter cells.
Meiosis II
the second division in meiosis in which chromatids of each chromosome are segregated equally into daughter cells.