Cytogenetics: Heritability and Genetic Transmission

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from cytogenetics, including aspects of chromosomal structure, meiotic processes, and gametogenesis.

Chromosome structure

The arrangement and organization of chromosomes within a cell, including their classification into autosomal and sex chromosomes.

X-chromosome inactivation

A process in female mammals where one of the X chromosomes is randomly inactivated to prevent overexpression of X-linked genes.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four non-identical haploid cells.

Gametogenesis

The process of forming gametes (sperm in males and oocytes in females) through meiosis.

Synapsis

The pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis, facilitating genetic recombination.

Crossing-over

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

Random assortment

The random distribution of maternal and paternal chromosomes into gametes during meiosis, contributing to genetic diversity.

Haploid cells

Cells that have half the number of chromosomes, represented as 'n', commonly found in gametes.

Diploid cells

Cells that contain two complete sets of chromosomes, represented as '2n', typical of somatic cells.

Germ-line cells

Cells that give rise to gametes through the processes of mitosis and meiosis.

Chromosome combinations

The various possible combinations of chromosomes that can result from the random assortment during gamete formation.

Oogenesis

The process by which female gametes (oocytes) are produced in the ovaries.

Spermatogenesis

The process by which male gametes (sperm) are produced in the testes.

Zygote

The fertilized egg formed from the fusion of male and female gametes.

Chromosomal abnormalities

Changes in the normal structure or number of chromosomes, which can lead to genetic disorders.

Dominant and recessive alleles

Alleles that can express a trait (dominant) or be masked by the presence of a dominant allele (recessive).