Genetics and Cell Division Concepts

Flashcards covering key concepts from genetics, cell division, and inheritance patterns.

Semi-Conservative Model

The method of DNA replication where each new DNA molecule contains one original strand and one new strand.

Haploid Cells

Cells that have half the DNA count, represented by 'n', such as gametes.

Diploid Cells

Cells that have the full DNA count, represented by '2n', such as somatic cells.

Homologous Chromosomes

Chromosomes that have the same types of genes.

Homozygous

An organism that carries two identical genes for a trait, represented as (ZZ or SS).

Heterozygous

An organism that carries two different genes for a trait, represented as (Tt or Ss).

Dominant Trait

The trait that is expressed when an individual is heterozygous.

Recessive Trait

Traits that are only expressed when an individual is in a homozygous state.

Interphase

The stage in the cell cycle where the cell exists before mitosis and cytokinesis, consisting of three phases.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm at the end of cell division, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

Crossing Over

The process during prophase I of meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange segments making new combinations of alleles.

Oogenesis

The process of female gamete production occurring in the ovaries.

Spermatogenesis

The process of male gamete production occurring in the testes.

Karyotype

A photograph of pairs of chromosomes used to diagnose genetic diseases.

Incomplete Dominance

A genetic scenario where neither allele is completely dominant, resulting in a blended phenotype in heterozygous conditions.

Codominance

A genetic scenario where both alleles are expressed equally, as seen in certain cattle and human blood types.

Multiple Alleles

More than two alleles exist for a genetic trait, such as blood type in humans.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual, including all alleles present.

Phenotype

The observable traits or characteristics of an organism.

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring from a genetic cross.