College Biology: Cell Biology, Genetics and Evolution

Set of flashcards for review on key concepts related to Cell Biology, Genetics, and Evolution.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development and function of living things.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of DNA and RNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak bonds between hydrogen atoms and other atoms, important for the pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA.

Watson-Crick model

The model that describes the structure of DNA as a double helix formed by two strands of nucleotides.

Mitosis

A process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically diverse gametes.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle in which a cell spends most of its life growing and preparing for division; consists of G1, S, and G2 phases.

Chiasmata

The points at which homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material during meiosis.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making a specific protein or a trait.

Phenotype

The observable physical characteristics or traits of an organism, determined by its genotype and environment.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an organism, representing the alleles it possesses for a particular gene.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a specific gene (e.g., AA or aa).

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a specific gene (e.g., Aa).

Codominance

A genetic scenario where both alleles in a heterozygote are fully expressed, resulting in offspring with a phenotype that is neither dominant nor recessive.

Polygenic traits

Traits controlled by two or more genes, resulting in a continuous range of phenotypes (e.g., height, skin color).

Test Cross

A cross between an individual showing a dominant phenotype and a homozygous recessive individual to determine the genotype of the dominant individual.

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict the genotype and phenotype ratios of offspring from genetic crosses.

DNA Replication

The process by which a cell duplicates its DNA before cell division.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a molecule that plays a crucial role in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process whereby ribosomes synthesize proteins using the mRNA sequence as a template.

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, leading to genetic variation.

Non-disjunction

The failure of chromosomes to separate properly during cell division, leading to gametes with an abnormal number of chromosomes.