KEY TERMS for bio Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is the function of the Nucleus?
The control center of the cell that contains DNA.
What are Chromosomes?
Structures made of DNA that contain genetic information.
What is DNA?
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic instructions.
Define Gene.
A segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein.
What are Proteins?
Molecules made up of amino acids that perform various functions in the cell.
What are Amino acids?
Building blocks of proteins.
Define Nucleotide.
The basic building block of DNA.
What is Complementary base pairing?
The specific pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA: adenine with thymine, and cytosine with guanine.
What is a Double Helix?
The twisted ladder shape of DNA.
What is a Somatic Cell?
Any cell of the body except sperm and egg cells.
What is a Gamete?
A reproductive cell (sperm or egg) that is haploid.
What does Diploid mean?
A cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes.
What does Haploid mean?
A cell that contains one complete set of chromosomes.
What is Mitosis?
The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.
What is a Parent Cell?
The original cell that divides to form daughter cells.
What are Daughter Cells?
The cells that result from the division of a parent cell.
What is Meiosis?
The process of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes.
What are Homologous chromosomes?
Pairs of chromosomes that have the same structure and gene sequence.
What are Sex chromosomes?
Chromosomes that determine the sex of an organism.
Cell Organelle
a specialized, membrane-bound structure within a cell that performs a specific function
