Untitled Flashcards Set

Interphase

The cell cycle phase where the cell grows (G1), duplicates DNA (S), and prepares for division (G2).

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two identical diploid cells.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that produces four non-identical haploid gametes.

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, increasing genetic diversity.

Independent Assortment

The random distribution of chromosomes to gametes during meiosis.

Spindle Fibres

Protein structures that help separate chromosomes during cell division.

Diploid

A cell with two sets of chromosomes (2n).

Haploid

A cell with one set of chromosomes (n).

Gametes

Sex cells (sperm and egg) that carry half the genetic information.

Lytic Cycle

A viral replication process where the virus destroys the host cell.

Lysogenic Cycle

A viral process where the virus integrates into the host genome and remains dormant before activation.

Sexual Reproduction

The fusion of gametes (sperm and egg) to create genetically unique offspring.

Asexual Reproduction

Offspring are produced without gametes, resulting in genetically identical clones.

Budding

A new organism grows from the body of the parent.

Vegetative Reproduction

New plants grow from roots, stems, or leaves without seeds.

Fragmentation

A parent organism breaks into pieces, each growing into a new individual.

Parthenogenesis

Offspring develop from an unfertilized egg.

Spores

Reproductive cells that grow into new organisms without fertilization.

Sporophyte

The diploid stage in a plant’s life cycle that produces spores.

Gametophyte

The haploid stage in a plant’s life cycle that produces gametes.

Perfect Flower

A flower with both male (stamens) and female (carpels) reproductive structures.

Imperfect Flower

A flower missing either male or female reproductive structures.

Endosperm

A nutrient-rich tissue in seeds that nourishes the developing embryo.

Bacterial STI

Sexually transmitted infections caused by bacteria (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea).

Viral STI

Sexually transmitted infections caused by viruses (e.g., HIV, herpes).

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

A hormone that stimulates egg and sperm production.

GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)

A hormone that regulates the release of FSH and LH.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

A hormone that triggers ovulation and testosterone production.

Inhibin

A hormone that regulates FSH production.

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone responsible for male characteristics and sperm production.

Estrogen

A hormone that regulates female reproductive functions and secondary sexual traits.

Progesterone

A hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy.

Ovarian Cycle

The monthly cycle of egg maturation and release in females.

Uterine Cycle

The monthly preparation of the uterus for pregnancy, including menstruation.

Teratogen

Any substance that causes birth defects.

Prenatal Screening

Tests performed during pregnancy to assess the health and development of the fetus.

Monohybrid Cross

A genetic cross examining the inheritance of one trait.

Dominant

A trait that is expressed if at least one allele is present.

Recessive

A trait that is only expressed if two recessive alleles are present.

Law of Segregation

Each parent passes one allele for each trait to offspring.

Law of Independent Assortment

Genes for different traits are inherited separately.

Dihybrid Cross

A genetic cross examining the inheritance of two traits.

Codominance

Both alleles in a gene pair are fully expressed.

Incomplete Dominance

A blend of two traits appears in the phenotype.

Test Cross

A cross with a homozygous recessive individual to determine an unknown genotype.

The Chromosome Theory of Inheritance

Genes are carried on chromosomes and passed to offspring.

Sex-Linked Traits

Traits controlled by genes on sex chromosomes (e.g., color blindness).

Multiple Alleles

More than two possible alleles exist for a gene (e.g., blood type).

Polygenic Inheritance

A trait controlled by multiple genes (e.g., skin color).

Continuous Traits

Traits that show a range of variations due to polygenic inheritance.