Genetics Flashcards
(53 cards)
What is the cell cycle?
The process through which a cell grows, copies its DNA, and divides into two new cells.
It includes stages like growth, DNA replication, and division.
Define mitosis.
The process where a cell divides to make two identical cells.
It’s essential for growth and repair in the body.
What is meiosis?
The process where a cell divides to make four unique cells with half the usual number of chromosomes.
It is crucial for reproduction.
What does haploid mean?
Having half the usual number of chromosomes, like in egg or sperm cells.
What does diploid mean?
Having two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.
What is a somatic cell?
Any body cell, like skin or muscle cells, that isn’t involved in reproduction.
Define gamete.
A reproductive cell, like an egg or sperm, that combines to make a new organism.
What are homologous chromosomes?
Pairs of chromosomes that are similar in shape, size, and genetic content, one from each parent.
What are sister chromatids?
Two identical copies of a chromosome connected together before a cell divides.
What is independent assortment?
The random distribution of chromosomes during meiosis, creating genetic variation.
What is crossing over?
When chromosomes swap sections during meiosis, mixing genetic information.
What is non-disjunction?
When chromosomes don’t separate properly during cell division, leading to cells with too many or too few chromosomes.
Define karyotype.
A picture of all the chromosomes in a cell, arranged by size and shape.
What is a gene?
A section of DNA that controls a specific trait or function.
What is an allele?
A version of a gene that can determine a specific trait.
What is a dominant trait?
A trait that hides the effect of a different trait when both are present.
What is a recessive trait?
A trait that only shows when two copies are present, one from each parent.
What does homozygous mean?
Having two identical alleles for a trait.
What does heterozygous mean?
Having two different alleles for a trait.
What is chromatin?
The relaxed form of DNA in a cell’s nucleus, before it becomes a chromosome.
Define genotype.
The genetic makeup of an organism, the combination of alleles it has.
Define phenotype.
The physical appearance or traits of an organism, based on its genotype.
What is a Punnett square?
A chart used to predict the possible genetic outcomes of a cross between two organisms.
What is a monohybrid cross?
A cross between two organisms that differ in only one trait.
