Cellular Reproduction and Genetics Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions from the chapters on Cellular Reproduction and Mendelian Genetics, useful for studying and exam preparation.

Mitosis

A process of cellular division resulting in two identical daughter cells, essential for growth and repair.

Cytokinesis

The physical process of cell division that separates the cytoplasm of a parental cell into two daughter cells.

Gene

A section of DNA that contains the instructions for making a specific protein or set of proteins.

Genome

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

Chromatin

A complex of DNA and protein found in eukaryotic cells, which condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.

Chromosome

A structure within cells that contains DNA and genetic information.

Sister Chromatid

Identical copies of a chromosome, joined together by a centromere before cell division.

Centrosome

An organelle that serves as the main microtubule organizing center during cell division.

Centrioles

Cylindrical structures in the centrosome that help in organizing microtubules during mitosis.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are joined.

Mitotic Spindles

Structures made of microtubules that separate chromosomes during mitosis.

Diploid Cell

A cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Haploid Cell

A cell that contains a single set of unpaired chromosomes.

Autosomes

Chromosomes that are not directly involved in determining the sex of an organism.

Sex Chromosomes

Chromosomes that determine the sex of an organism, typically X and Y in humans.

Meiosis

A specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four haploid gametes.

Somatic Cells

Any cells of the body excluding reproductive cells.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) that unite during reproduction.

Zygote

The fertilized egg formed from the union of sperm and egg.

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Independent Assortment

The process by which genes for different traits segregate independently of one another in gamete formation.

Nondisjunction

An error in cell division that results in an abnormal number of chromosomes in the daughter cells.

Aneuploidy

The presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell.

Polyploidy

A condition in which a cell has more than two complete sets of chromosomes.

Codominance

A genetic scenario where both alleles in a heterozygote are fully expressed.

Pleiotropy

The phenomenon where a single gene influences multiple phenotypic traits.

Incomplete Dominance

A genetic situation in which one allele does not completely dominate another, resulting in a phenotype that is a blending of the two.