Cell part 2 vocabulary

Allele

A variant form of a gene found at a specific location on a chromosome.

Cancer

A group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.

Chromosome

A thread-like structure made of DNA and proteins, containing genetic information.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

The molecule that carries genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of organisms.

Gene

A segment of DNA that encodes for a specific protein or function.

Cell cycle

The series of events that a cell goes through as it grows and divides.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in DNA or RNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid or stop signal during protein synthesis.

Differentiation

The process by which cells become specialized in structure and function.

Disjunction

The separation of chromosomes or chromatids during cell division.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to altered protein function.

Proliferation

The rapid reproduction of cells or organisms.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes (sperm and egg cells).

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

Nondisjunction

The failure of chromosomes to separate properly during cell division.

Cell density-dependent inhibition/contact inhibition

The process by which normal cells stop dividing when they come into contact with other cells.

Autosomal dominant disorder

A genetic condition where only one copy of a mutant gene on an autosome is sufficient to cause the disorder.

Autosomal recessive disorder

A genetic condition where two copies of a mutant gene on an autosome are needed to cause the disorder.

Autosome

Any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome.

Dominant

An allele or trait that is expressed when only one copy is present.

Recessive

An allele or trait that is only expressed when two copies are present.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a particular gene.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a particular gene.

Single-gene disorder

A condition caused by a mutation in a single gene.

Sex-linked disorder/X-linked disorder

A genetic disorder caused by mutations in genes on the sex chromosomes.

Anemia

A condition in which the blood has a reduced capacity to carry oxygen, often due to low red blood cell count or hemoglobin levels.

Anorexia

A condition characterized by a lack of appetite or an aversion to food.

Benign

Referring to a condition, tumor, or growth that is not cancerous and does not spread to other parts of the body.

Cachexia

A syndrome involving weight loss, muscle wasting, and fatigue, often seen in patients with chronic illnesses like cancer.

Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)

A genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, leading to developmental and physical changes.

Ectopic hormone production

The production of hormones by tissues or tumors outside their usual source.

Malignant

Referring to a cancerous tumor that invades surrounding tissues and can spread to other parts of the body.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells from the original site to other parts of the body.

Monosomy

A genetic condition where one chromosome is missing in a pair.

Trisomy

A genetic condition where there is an extra chromosome in a pair.

Trisomy 21

Another term for Down syndrome, caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.

Chemotherapy

The use of drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.

Radiation therapy

The use of high-energy radiation to kill or damage cancer cells.

Vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF)/tumor-angiogenesis factor

A protein that stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, often used by tumors to ensure a blood supply.

Antigen

A substance that triggers an immune response, often found on the surface of pathogens or cells.

CEA (Carcinoembryonic antigen)

A protein often found at elevated levels in certain cancers.

Cytokine

A small protein released by cells that affects the behavior of other cells, especially in immune responses.

Carrier

An individual who has one copy of a recessive allele that does not affect them but can pass it on to offspring.

PSA (Prostate-specific antigen)

A protein produced by the prostate gland, often measured to screen for prostate cancer.

Germ cell

A reproductive cell (sperm or egg) that carries half the genetic information of the organism.

Parent/progenitor cell

A cell that divides to produce daughter cells, contributing to growth or repair.

Somatic cell

Any cell in the body that is not a reproductive cell.

Stem cell

An undifferentiated cell that can give rise to specialized cell types.

Mendel’s laws

Principles of heredity, including the law of segregation and independent assortment, proposed by Gregor Mendel.

Punnett squares

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