Chapter 02 Reproduction and Chromosome Transmission Concepts of Genetics

A set of 50 vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in reproduction and chromosome transmission from genetics.

Reproduction

The process by which new cells or organisms are produced.

Chromosomes

Structures within living cells that contain genetic material.

Prokaryotes

Bacteria and archaea that lack a nucleus.

Eukaryotes

Organisms such as protists, fungi, plants, and animals with a membrane-bound nucleus.

Karyotype

An organized representation of chromosomes within a cell.

Somatic Cells

Body cells, other than gametes, such as blood cells.

Gametes

Reproductive cells: sperm and egg cells.

Homologous Chromosomes

Members of a pair of chromosomes that are nearly identical in size and banding pattern.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome that are joined at the centromere.

Mitosis

The process of organizing and sorting chromosomes into daughter cells.

Cytokinesis

The process that divides the cytoplasm into two daughter cells.

Diploid

Cells with two sets of chromosomes, such as in humans (46 total chromosomes).

Centromere

The region on a chromosome where the sister chromatids are joined.

Kinetochore

Protein structure on the centromere that attaches to spindle fibers during cell division.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle when the cell is preparing for mitosis.

G1 Phase

Gap 1 phase, where the cell grows and prepares to divide.

S Phase

The synthesis phase, where DNA is replicated.

G2 Phase

Gap 2 phase, where the cell prepares for division by accumulating necessary materials.

M Phase

The mitotic phase where the cell divides.

Binary Fission

A form of asexual reproduction where a single cell divides into two.

Cytogenetics

The field of genetics that involves the microscopic examination of chromosomes.

Chromatin

The DNA-protein complex present in eukaryotic cells.

Microtubules

Cylindrical structures that are part of the cytoskeleton and play roles in cell division.

Astral Microtubules

Microtubules that help position the spindle apparatus.

Polar Microtubules

Microtubules that push the spindle poles apart during mitosis.

Cleavage Furrow

The indentation that begins to form during cytokinesis in animal cells.

Cell Plate

Structure that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells.

Diploid Organisms

Organisms that have two sets of chromosomes, like dogs and humans.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a gene.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a gene.

Locus

The physical location of a gene.

Chromatid

Each of the two identical halves of a replicated chromosome.

Nucleolus

The site of ribosome assembly within the nucleus.

Centrosome

Microtubule-organizing center in animal cells.

Terminally Differentiated Cells

Cells that have permanently exited the cell cycle, like neurons.

Mitotic Spindle

Structure made of microtubules that segregates chromosomes during mitosis.

Cyclin

Proteins that regulate the progression of cells through the cell cycle.

ATP

A molecule that provides energy for cellular processes.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands.

Chromosome Number

The total count of chromosomes in a cell, characteristic of the species.

Gene

A segment of DNA that encodes for a trait.

Allele

Different forms of a gene.

Eukaryotic Chromosomes

Composed of multiple linear chromosomes contained in the nucleus.

Karyotyping Procedure

The process used to visualize chromosomes in a cell to assess their number and structure.

Genetic Consistency

Ensuring that daughter cells have the same genetic material as the parent cell.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction that does not involve the fusion of gametes.

Nuclear Envelope

Membrane surrounding the nucleus that breaks down during mitosis.

Cell Division Phases

Includes G1, S, G2, and M phases, describing the entire cell cycle.

Chromosomal Abnormalities

Variations in chromosome number or structure, often leading to genetic disorders.

Cell Growth

The process of a cell increasing in size and mass.

Multicellularity

The condition of being composed of multiple cells.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells that facilitate photosynthesis.