Chapter 9: Mutation, Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy

These flashcards cover key concepts from Chapter 9 about mutations, genetics, regenerative medicine, and stem cell biology.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence of an organism that can result in alterations to its traits.

Point Mutation

A type of mutation that involves a change in a single nucleotide in the DNA sequence.

Trisomy 21

A genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, leading to Down's syndrome.

Allele

An alternate version of a gene that arises due to mutations.

Germ-line Mutation

A mutation that occurs in the reproductive cells, which can be passed on to the next generation.

Somatic Cell Mutation

A mutation that occurs in non-reproductive cells and cannot be inherited.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death that occurs when DNA damage is irreparable.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells capable of dividing and differentiating into specialized cell types.

Cell Differentiation

The process by which a stem cell develops into a more specialized cell type.

Regenerative Medicine

A field of medicine that uses stem cells to repair or regrow damaged tissues and organs.

Chromosomal Mutation

A type of mutation that involves changes in the structure or number of chromosomes.

Duplication

A type of structural chromosomal mutation involving the repetition of a segment of DNA.

Translocation

A structural chromosomal mutation where segments from different chromosomes are exchanged.

Beneficial Mutation

A mutation that has a positive effect on an organism’s fitness.

Neutral Mutation

A mutation that does not affect an organism's fitness.