Introduction To Genetics Flashcards
What is cell division?
When a cell divides its DNA, which is copied, and then distributed.
What is DNA?
DNA stores the information telling cells which proteins to make and when to make them.
What are genes?
Genes are found in DNA and there are thousands of them!
They are units of information that code for a protein.
How are chromosomes formed?
DNA coils to form a chromosome, which occurs when the cell is about the divide.
What are chromatids?
Two exact copies of the DNA that make up each chromosome, and they are attached at the centromere.
How many chromosomes are in the human body?
46 total, with 23 pairs!
What is each pair of chromosomes called?
Homologous chromosomes
What is the locus?
Location a gene is found on a chromosome
What is allele? Give an example.
The form that a gene can come in. Ex. gene for eye color, alleles for brown and blue eyes.
What is a karyotype?
An individual’s complete set of chromosomes.
What are somatic cells?
Any cell except for sperm and egg cells (they come in pairs; 2 sets)
What are reproductive cells?
Egg cells and sperm cells (they come with only 1 set)
What are diploid cells?
- Contain 2 sets of chromosomes
- Denoted as 2n=46 (for humans)
- Somatic cells are diploid
What are haploid cells?
- Contains one set of chromosomes
- Sex cells are haploid cells
- Denoted as n=23 (in humans)
What is fertilization?
Formation of a zygote, by the joining together, or fusion, of two gametes.
