Science Objectives – Inheritance Terms

Flashcards covering inheritance terms, mitosis, meiosis, and genetics.

Chromosomes

Consist of DNA which carries the genetic information of a cell; long pieces of DNA, temporarily coiled, which contains genes.

Genes

Segments of DNA which code for a specific protein and determine what an organism looks like and how it functions.

Genome

The totality of genetic information of a cell or organism.

Haploid

Cells have only one chromosome of each pair.

Diploid

Cells have two copies of each chromosome.

Fertilisation

The union of the nuclei of the female and male gametes to produce a zygote.

Alleles

Alternative forms of a gene.

Genotype

The combination of alleles that the organism has for the gene.

Phenotype

The characteristics that the organism expresses (physical appearance or functionality).

Mutation

An alteration to the DNA base sequence of a gene.

Mitosis Role

Asexual reproduction, growth, repair.

Meiosis Role

Sexual reproduction (to produce gametes).

Mitosis

Process where genetically identical cells are produced.

Mutagens

Increase mutation rates.