Cell and Molecular Biology Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key terms from Cell and Molecular Biology lectures on Sexual Reproduction, Meiosis, Mendelian Genetics, and Human Genetics.

Asexual reproduction

Reproduction without the fusion of gametes.

Sexual reproduction

Reproduction involving the fusion of gametes, leading to genetic variation.

Haploid

Cells containing one set of chromosomes (n).

Diploid

Cells containing two sets of chromosomes (2n).

Homologous chromosome

Chromosomes with the same genes in the same order, but possibly different alleles.

Non-homologous chromosome

Chromosomes that do not have the same genes.

Alleles

Different versions of a gene.

Somatic cell

Any biological cells forming the body of a multicellular organism other than gametes, germ cells, gametocytes or undifferentiated stem cells.

Germ cell

A cell containing half the number of chromosomes of a somatic cell and able to unite with one from the opposite sex to form a new individual; a gamete.

Gamete

A haploid reproductive cell (egg or sperm).

Zygote

A diploid cell resulting from the fusion of two haploid gametes.

Mitosis

Cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus, typical of ordinary tissue growth.

Meiosis

Cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell, as in the production of gametes and plant spores.

Independent assortment

The random distribution of genes during gamete formation.

Recombination (Crossing Over)

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Mendelian Genetics

The study of inheritance patterns of traits.

Homozygous

Having identical alleles for a trait.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a trait.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics of an organism.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism.

Sex (X) linkage

Genes located on the X chromosome.

Incomplete dominance

A form of intermediate inheritance in which one allele for a specific trait is not completely expressed over its paired allele.

Polygenic inheritance

Inheritance of traits determined by multiple genes.

Pedigree analysis

A diagram describing the phenotypes and relationships of parents and children across multiple generations.

Autosomal recessive disorder

A genetic disorder that requires two copies of an abnormal gene to be present in an individual to express the phenotype.

Autosomal dominant disorder

A genetic disorder where only one copy of a mutated gene is needed for an individual to be affected.

X-linked recessive disorder

A genetic condition associated with mutations in genes on the X chromosome; males are more frequently affected.

Genetic counseling

Guidance for prospective parents on the likelihood of genetic disorders in their future children.

Pathogenic mutation

A genetic alteration that causes or increases the risk of a specific disease.