Processes for the Continuity of Life • Chapter 2.1 Flashcards
(18 cards)
Define
Deoxyribonucleic Acid
(DNA)
A double-stranded helix containing a sequence of nucleotides.
Define
Nucleotide
A unit of DNA comprised of a phosphate group, a 5-carbon sugar (C₅H₁₀O₅), and a nitrogenous base (A &T, C & G).
Evaluate
Purpose of a Nucleotide
Provide units for genetic code.
Define
Gamete
Specialised cells that both parents use in sexual reproduction.
(e.g. human sperm and ovum.)
Define
Somatic Cell
A non-sex (body) cell.
(i.e. not a gamete.)
List
Types of Reproduction
- Asexual
- Sexual
Define
Asexual Reproduction
The production of offspring that:
* Originates from a single parent
* Does not involve the fusion of gametes.
(e.g. binary fission)
Define
Sexual Reproduction
The production of offspring that:
* Originates from two parents
* Involves the fusion of gametes.
(e.g. binary fission)
Define
The fusion of gametes.
Fertilisation.
Define
Chromatin
DNA molecules loosely condensed around histone proteins.
Define
Chromosome
DNA molecules tightly condensed around histone proteins.
Define
Karyotype
Visual representation of chromosomes for analysis.
Define
Autosome
A chromosome that is not used in determining sex.
Define
Sex Chromosome
A chromosome that is used in determining sex.
(i.e. X and Y chromosomes.)
What are homologous pairs of chromosomes comprised of?
Maternal (mother) and paternal (father) chromosomes.
Define
Diploid
(2n)
Where two chromosomes form a complete set.
(e.g. human somatic cells.)
Define
Haploid
(n)
Where one chromosome form a complete set.
(e.g. todo)
Compare
The location and arrangement of DNA in Eukaryotic cells to Prokaryotic cells.
Eukaryotic Cells store DNA as chromatin and chromosomes in the nucleus.
Prokaryotic Cells store a single strand of long, circular DNA in the nucleoid region of the cytosol.
