Untitled Flashcards Set

For Test on Nov 14

Heredity

The passing of traits from parents to offspring.

Traits

Characteristics inherited from parents, encompassing physical attributes, behavioral tendencies, and biochemical properties.

Alleles

Different versions of a gene at a specific locus on a chromosome; can be dominant or recessive.

Chromosomes

Structures within cells that contain DNA, with humans having 23 pairs totaling 46.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a trait (e.g., AA or aa).

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a trait (e.g., Aa).

Phenotype

The observable traits of an organism resulting from its genotype and environmental influences.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual that influences its traits.

XX and XY

The sex chromosomes indicating female (XX) and male (XY) characteristics.

Gregor Mendel

The father of modern genetics who conducted experiments with pea plants to establish principles of inheritance.

Law of Segregation

During gamete formation, alleles for a trait separate, so each gamete carries only one allele for each gene.

Law of Independent Assortment

Genes for different traits assort independently during gamete formation, leading to genetic variation.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouse of the cell, producing ATP through cellular respiration.

Ribosomes

Sites of protein synthesis where mRNA is translated into polypeptide chains.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle involved in the synthesis and transport of proteins (rough ER) and lipids (smooth ER).

Golgi Apparatus

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Mitosis

A process of cell division leading to two identical daughter cells, crucial for growth and tissue repair.

Meiosis

A specialized form of cell division that produces gametes, resulting in four genetically diverse haploid cells.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where growth and DNA replication occur.

Cytokinesis

The phase of the cell cycle that includes the division of the cytoplasm into two distinct daughter cells.

Dichotomous Key

A tool used in taxonomy to identify organisms based on observable characteristics.

Taxonomy

The science of classifying organisms into hierarchical levels, helping organize biological diversity.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid, the molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms.

Double Helix Structure

The structure of DNA, composed of two intertwined strands made up of nucleotides.

Nucleotides

The building blocks of DNA, consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Diffusion

The process where molecules move from higher to lower concentration, seeking equilibrium.

Osmosis

A specific type of diffusion involving the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane.

Hierarchy of Life

Levels of biological organization from atoms to biosphere.

Pedigrees

Diagrams that display the occurrence and inheritance patterns of genetic traits across generations.

Characteristics of Life

Criteria that define living organisms, including metabolism, homeostasis, growth, and reproduction.

Genes

Segments of DNA serving as units of heredity that encode information for producing proteins.

Centromere

The part of a chromosome that links sister chromatids together.

Codons

Sequences of three nucleotides that specify particular amino acids during protein synthesis.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins linked in specific sequences during synthesis.

Punnett Squares

Grid systems predicting possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring in genetic crosses.

Cell Membrane

Defines the cell boundary and regulates substance movement in and out.

Nucleus

Contains genetic material (DNA) and controls cellular activities.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like fluid where organelles are suspended.

Cell Theory

Principles stating that all living organisms are composed of cells, which are the basic unit of life.

IPMATC

Stands for Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, Cytokinesis.