Genetics and Cell Division Overview

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to genetics, DNA structure, and cell division processes including mitosis and meiosis.

Mitosis

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

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically distinct haploid gametes.

Diploid

A cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent (2n).

Haploid

A cell that contains half the number of chromosomes, one set (1n); found in gametes.

Chromatid

One of two identical halves of a duplicated chromosome.

Gene

A segment of DNA that codes for a specific trait.

Allele

Different forms of a gene that determine distinct traits; represented by letters.

Punnett Square

A grid used to predict the genetic outcomes of a cross between two individuals.

Locus

The specific physical location of a gene on a chromosome.

Karyotype

A visual representation of an individual's chromosomes, arranged by size and shape.

Crossing Over

The process during meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic information, increasing genetic diversity.

Sister Chromatids

The two identical copies of a chromatid connected by a centromere.

Nucleosome

A unit of DNA packaging; comprised of a segment of DNA wrapped around a core of histone proteins.

Antiparallel

Refers to the orientation of the two strands of DNA that run in opposite directions.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are joined together.

DNA Replication

The process by which a cell duplicates its DNA prior to cell division.

Genetic Variation

Differences in gene sequences among individuals, contributing to diversity within a species.

Cell Cycle

The series of phases that a cell goes through from its formation to its division.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows and DNA is replicated, consisting of G1, S, and G2 phases.

Cytokinesis

The final stage of cell division where the cytoplasm divides and two daughter cells are formed.

Homologous Chromosomes

A pair of chromosomes, one from each parent, that are similar in shape and size and contain the same genes.

Autosomes

Chromosomes that are not involved in determining sex; humans have 22 pairs.

Somatic Cells

Any cells in the body that are not gametes; they are diploid.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products, typically proteins.