BIOL 2120 Study Guide - Genes, Development, and Evolution

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on the concepts of genes, development, and evolution studied in BIOL 2120.

Differential Gene Expression

The process by which cells express different genes at different levels, leading to different phenotypes despite having the same genomic DNA content.

Genomic Equivalence

The concept that all cells in a multicellular organism have the same DNA content, which can be modified at the cellular level.

Cloning

A method that provides evidence of genomic equivalence by producing an organism genetically identical to the donor organism.

Cell Fate Specification

The process by which a cell begins to adopt a specific developmental pathway among several potential options.

Determined Cell

A cell that has progressed to a state where it can develop into only a single type of cell regardless of external signals.

Self-Renewal

The ability of stem cells to divide and produce more stem cells, maintaining the undifferentiated state.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Cells derived from the early embryo that can differentiate into any cell type in the body.

Pluripotent Stem Cells

Stem cells that have the potential to differentiate into any cell type but are not able to form an entire organism.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)

Cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell-like state, allowing them to form multiple cell types.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that removes cells that are no longer needed, helping to shape the organism during development.

Pattern Formation

The development of a spatial organization of tissues and organs in an organism as it develops.

Hox Genes

A group of related genes that control the body plan of an embryo along the head-tail axis.

Evo-devo

The field of study that examines the relationship between development and evolutionary processes.