Reproduction and Human Development Flashcards

Flashcards about Reproduction and Human Development, covering cell theory, cell cycle, mitosis, cancer, asexual and sexual reproduction, genetics, and heredity.

Cell

The smallest unit of an organism that can be considered alive.

Cell Cycle

The process by which the parent cell grows, duplicates itself, and divides to produce new daughter cells.

Interphase

The longest cell cycle phase where the cell functions, grows, and prepares for division.

DNA

Genetic information stored in long strands of DNA within the nucleus.

Chromosome

Each double-stranded DNA molecule packaged into this.

Mitosis

The nucleus divides, producing two identical nuclei.

Mitosis Stages

Mitosis stages: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase

Prophase

Chromosomes condense, the nuclear membrane dissolves, and the spindle forms.

Metaphase

Doubled chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.

Anaphase

Chromosome strands separate and move to opposite ends of the cell.

Telophase

The spindle disappears, a new nuclear envelope forms around each set of chromosomes.

Cytokinesis

The cell divides, forming two daughter cells. Animal cells pinch, plant cells use a cell wall.

Diploid

Cells containing a double set of chromosomes (46 in humans).

Haploid

Sex cells containing a single set of chromosomes (23 in humans).

Carcinogens

Chemicals or toxins in the environment that can damage DNA in cells and cause cancer.

Benign Tumour

A tumour that grows quickly and crowds other cells but does not spread.

Malignant Tumour

A tumour that grows quickly, invades other cells, and can spread throughout the body.

Asexual Reproduction

Involves only one parent, creating genetically identical offspring (clones).

Binary Fission

Single-celled organisms divide into two identical daughter cells.

Budding

Parent produces a small bud that detaches to become a separate individual or remains attached to form a large structure.

Vegetative Reproduction

Production of clones from the parent plant, not involving seed formation.

Spores

Haploid cells that can develop into new organisms; protect DNA until growth conditions are suitable.

Parthenogenesis

Unfertilized haploid eggs mature into new organisms.

Fragmentation

New individuals form from a piece, or fragmentation, of the parent organism. Identical clones.

Grafting

Part of one plant is joined with another, maintaining original characteristics as they grow together.

Sexual Reproduction

Sex cells from two different parents unite to form a new organism.

Gametes

Sex cells are called gametes.

Meiosis

Cell division process that produces gametes, starting diploid and ending haploid.

Fertilization

Male gamete (sperm cell) penetrates the female gamete (egg cell).

Hermaphrodites

Can produce BOTH male and female gametes

Pollen

Pollen contains the male gametes and is found on the stamen.

Ovules

Ovules contain the female gametes and are found in the pistil.

Stamen

Produces pollen.

Pistil

Produces Ovules

Pollination

Transfer of pollen from the stamen to the stigma.

Traits

Are carried on genes.

Genes

Are sequences of DNA found on chromosomes.

Gene

An uninterrupted segment of DNA in a chromosome containing coded instructions for a specific characteristic.

Allele

Individual part of a gene pair on homologous chromosomes.

Dominant and Recessive Alleles

If paired together, the dominant allele will be expressed over the recessive allele, which will be masked.

Homozygous

Having the same copies of an allele for a certain trait (TT or tt).

Heterozygous

Having two different copies of an allele for a certain trait (Tt).

Genotype

A description of the genes a person has (e.g., TT, Tt, tt).

Phenotype

A description of the physical traits that inherited genes will produce.