Key vocab - heredity & reproduction Flashcards
(23 cards)
Heredity
the process by which traits and characteristics are passed from parents to offspring through their genes.
Genetics
the study of heredity and variation
Deoxyribonucleic Acid
stands for DNA
Gene
segment of a DNA molecule that codes for a particular trait.
Chromosome
Chromosomes are bodies of DNA, tightly wound together
They carry genes and determine traits (essential for cell division and replication)
Locus
physical location of a gene on a chromosome
Centromere
The middle of a chromosome. Site where sister chromatids are linked.
Asexual reproduction
The production of offspring from a single parent (without the use of sex cells)
Sexual reproduction
Offspring are produced from the fusion of two sex cells (gametes) usually coming from different parent organisms
Chromatin
Complex DNA and protein found in eukaryotic cell
Sister chromatids
identical copies of a single chromosome that are produced during DNA replication
Spindle fibers
crucial protein structures within cells that ensure the correct distribution of chromosomes during cell division (
Centrosome
an organelle present in an animal cell that acts as the microtubule-organizing centre of the cell
Biotechnology
The field of biology that involves the use of living things in engineering, industry and medicine
GMO
Genetically modified organisms
Homologous chromosomes
pairs of chromosomes within a cell that share similar characteristics (length, position, genes)
While they carry the same genes, they may have different versions (alleles) of those genes
Tetrad
group of four cells produced during meiosis, typically after a single parent cell has undergone meiosis and its products remain together
Synapsis
the pairing of homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis
Crossing over
the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, specifically during prophase I
Gametogenesis
the biological process where haploid gametes (sex cells) are produced from diploid or haploid precursor cells.
Spermatogenesis
produces sperm
oogenesis
produces eggs
cytoplasm does not split evenly between eggs
Polar bodies
Cells that do not receive enough cytoplasm
