Biological Beginnings: Genetic Foundations and Prenatal Development

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to biological beginnings, genetic foundations, and prenatal development.

Zygote

The single cell formed at fertilization, which rapidly divides to form a multicellular organism.

Blastocyst

A stage in prenatal development that occurs around day 7 when the zygote becomes a multi-celled organism.

Chromosomes

Threadlike structures made up of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), containing genetic information.

DNA

A complex double-helix molecule that contains genetic information.

Genome

The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

Cell division that produces gametes (sperm and egg) containing half the genetic material of the parent cell.

Fetal Period

The stage in prenatal development that extends from eight weeks after conception until birth.

Teratogens

Agents that can potentially cause birth defects or negatively alter cognitive and behavioral outcomes.

Phenotype

Observable and measurable characteristics expressed in physical and psychological traits.

Genotype

All of a person's genetic material, inclusive of all genetic traits and disorders.

Dominant Gene

A gene that exerts its effects regardless of the presence of another gene.

Recessive Gene

A gene that exerts its effects only when two copies are present.

Prenatal Testing

Techniques used to determine if a fetus is developing normally and to assess genetic risks.

Low Birth Weight

A condition where an infant weighs less than 5 pounds at birth.

Cesearean Delivery

A surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through an incision in the mother's abdomen.

Apgar Scale

A widely used assessment tool to evaluate the health of newborns at 1 and 5 minutes after birth.