Nucleic Acids and Cell Division

50 vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in nucleic acids, cell division, and genetics.

Nucleic Acids

Long polymers that hold information to specify the structure of proteins in cells.

Heredity

Passing of traits from parents to offspring.

Genetics

The study of heredity and variation.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

Molecule that stores genetic information, consisting of nucleotides.

Gene

Portion of DNA that contains information for producing a trait.

Locus

Specific location of a gene on a chromosome.

Chromosome

Structure in the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell that carries genes.

Nucleotide

Subunit of nucleic acids made of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogen base.

Double Helix

The structure of DNA consisting of two strands twisted together.

Purines

Nitrogen bases that include adenine and guanine.

Pyrimidines

Nitrogen bases that include cytosine and thymine.

Antiparallel Strands

Orientation of the two strands of DNA running in opposite directions.

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

Nucleic acid that carries instructions for making proteins.

Ribose Sugar

Sugar in RNA nucleotides.

Uracil

Nitrogen base found in RNA that replaces thymine from DNA.

Cell Division

Process by which a parent cell divides to produce daughter cells.

Mitosis

Stage of cell cycle where genetic information is divided equally into two nuclei.

Cytokinesis

Division of the cytoplasm resulting in two daughter cells.

Interphase

Phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows and duplicates its hereditary information.

Prophase

First stage of mitosis where chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope breaks down.

Metaphase

Stage of mitosis where chromosomes line up along the cell equator.

Anaphase

Stage of mitosis where sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.

Telophase

Final stage of mitosis where chromosomes decondense and the nuclear envelope reforms.

Somatic Cells

Body cells that are diploid and undergo mitosis.

Diploid (2n)

Cells that contain two complete sets of chromosomes.

Haploid (n)

Cells that contain one complete set of chromosomes.

Gametes

Sex cells produced through meiosis.

Homologous Chromosomes

Matching pairs of chromosomes from each parent.

Meiosis

Specialized process of cell division that produces gametes.

Crossing Over

Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Nondisjunction

Error in meiosis where chromosomes fail to separate properly.

Aneuploidy

Condition in which cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes.

X-Linked Traits

Traits associated with genes found on the X chromosome.

Dominant Allele

An allele that masks the effect of a recessive allele in heterozygous individuals.

Recessive Allele

An allele that is masked by a dominant allele.

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict the genetic outcomes of a cross.

Test Cross

Crossing an individual with an unknown genotype with a homozygous recessive individual.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an individual, consisting of alleles.

Phenotype

The observable traits of an individual as a result of genotype.

Incomplete Dominance

Condition where neither allele is completely dominant, resulting in a blend.

Codominance

Condition where both alleles are expressed simultaneously in a heterozygous individual.

Blood Type

Classification of blood based on the presence of antigens; includes A, B, AB, and O.

Karyotyping

Process of analyzing chromosome structure and number for abnormalities.

Amniocentesis

Method to collect amniotic fluid for prenatal genetic diagnosis.

Chorionic Villus Sampling

Procedure to obtain a sample of placental tissue for genetic testing.

Cancer

Abnormal cell division that can lead to malignancy.

Genetic Variability

Genetic diversity resulting from processes like crossing over and independent assortment.