Chapter 9: Genetics and Inheritance Flashcards
What do all living organisms inherit from their parents?
Genetic information (chromosomes)
How are genes arranged on chromosomes?
In a linear sequence.
What process allows new combinations of alleles to form?
Meiosis.
What happens during the fusion of gametes?
New allele combinations form.
What is a heritable factor that influences a characteristic?
A gene.
Where is a gene for a specific trait located?
At a locus on a chromosome.
What are variations of a gene called?
Alleles.
How do alleles differ from one another?
By one or a few bases.
What type of reproduction involves two parents?
Sexual reproduction.
How do asexual and sexual reproduction differ in chromosomes?
Asexual reproduction involves one chromosome; sexual involves pairs of chromosomes.
What are plasmids
and where are they found?
What are homologous chromosomes?
Chromosomes that carry the same genes.
What is the shape and size of homologous chromosomes?
Similar.
What happens when chromatids separate?
They become identical chromosomes.
What is a karyogram?
A chromosome representation based on size and shape.
What do diploid cells contain?
Pairs of homologous chromosomes.
What is the diploid number in humans?
46
What type of cells are haploid in humans?
Gametes.
What does the variable n represent?
The haploid number.
What results from the fusion of haploid gametes?
A diploid zygote.
Which nuclear division results in genetically identical cells?
Mitosis.
What does meiosis introduce into gametes?
Genetic variation.
How many chromosomes does the 23rd pair determine?
Sex.
What is the chromosomal difference between males and females?
XX = female