Heredity and Chromosomes

This set covers vocabulary related to heredity, genetics, chromosome structure, human karyotyping, and species-specific chromosomal data based on the lecture notes.

Heredity

The passing of genetic traits from parent to offspring.

Genetics

The study of heredity; the inheritance of traits coded for by genes.

Zygote

The first cell formed in any organism which takes nutrients and oxygen from the mother's placenta.

Chromosomes

The permanent element of the cell and carriers of genetic information located in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells; composed of DNA and Histone protein.

Genetic Information

Information coded by the genes on the chromosomes specifying traits such as morphological traits, behavioral characteristics, disorders, or personality.

DNA (Deoxyribose nucleic acids)

Filamentous strands that serve as the carriers of the genetic information of the cell.

Histone

A structural protein that DNA wraps around to form chromosomes.

Chromatin

The decondensed, unwound form of DNA found in a non-dividing cell.

Chromosome (Condensed)

The condensed form of DNA that is tightly packaged and visible in a dividing cell.

Sister Chromatids

Two identical strands joined by a centromere that make up a chromosome during the cell cycle.

Centromere

The region where two sister chromatids are joined together.

Telomere

The structures found at the ends of a chromatid.

Autosomes

All the chromosomes associated in pairs in diploid cells except for the sex chromosomes.

Gonosomes

The sex chromosomes ($X$ and $Y$) that determine the sex of the individual and their sexual characteristics.

Karyotype

A classification of metaphysical chromosomes in decreasing order of size and centromere position to identify the number and shape of chromosomes.

Diploid ($2n$)

A cell (such as a somatic body cell) that contains two sets of chromosomes, one of paternal origin and one of maternal origin.

Haploid ($n$)

A cell (such as a gamete, sperm, or ova) that contains a single set of chromosomes ($n = 23$ in humans).

Human Chromosome Number

Humans have $2n = 46$ chromosomes, which consists of $23$ pairs.

Male Chromosomic Formula

The formula represented as $44$ autosomal chromosomes and $2$ sex chromosomes ($XY$), or $46, XY$.

Female Chromosomic Formula

The formula represented as $44$ autosomal chromosomes and $2$ sex chromosomes ($XX$), or $46, XX$.