Reproduction and Genetics Review Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering DNA, reproduction types, cell division (mitosis/meiosis), genetics, human reproductive anatomy, hormones, and mutations based on the lecture review.

DNA

The complete set of information that determines all the characteristics of an organism.

Genes

Smaller sections of DNA that contain information to create proteins.

Chromosomes

Tightly coiled DNA that condenses during mitosis and meiosis.

Asexual Reproduction

A form of reproduction involving only $1$ parent that creates genetically identical offspring.

Sexual Reproduction

A form of reproduction involving $2$ parents that creates genetically unique offspring.

Mitosis

A type of cell division occurring in asexual reproduction for growth and tissue repair, resulting in $2$ genetically identical diploid cells from $1$ division.

Meiosis

A type of cell division occurring in sexual reproduction to produce gametes, resulting in $4$ genetically different haploid cells from $2$ divisions.

Haploid Cells

Cells that have half the required chromosomes; in humans, these are sperm and egg cells containing $23$ chromosomes.

Diploid Cells

Cells that have a full set of chromosomes; in humans, most cells are diploid and contain $46$ chromosomes.

Homologous Chromosomes

Chromosomes that contain information for the same type of traits, with one coming from the father and one from the mother.

Allele

Different versions of a trait, such as attached or detached earlobes for ear structure.

Dominant Allele

The allele that will override the recessive allele.

Recessive Allele

The weaker allele which requires two copies in order to inherit the trait.

Homozygous Dominant

A genotype involving two dominant alleles, expressed as $BB$.

Homozygous Recessive

A genotype involving two recessive alleles, expressed as $bb$.

Heterozygous

A genotype involving one dominant and one recessive allele, expressed as $Bb$.

Genotype

The genetic make up of an organism expressed using upper case and lower case letters.

Phenotype

The trait that is visibly seen as a result of the genotype.

Gonads

Organs that produce gametes, specifically the ovaries in females and the testes in males.

Gametes

Reproductive cells, specifically egg cells in females and sperm cells in males.

Ovulation

The process of releasing an egg from a follicle in the ovary, typically occurring once every $28$ days.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH - Female)

Hormone that triggers the maturation of eggs in the ovaries.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH - Female)

Hormone that spikes to trigger the process of ovulation.

Estrogen

Hormone that causes the endometrium to thicken, thins cervical mucus, and suppresses FSH and LH release.

Progesterone

Hormone released by the corpus luteum that continues to stimulate the thickening of the endometrium.

Testosterone

Hormone that helps with sperm production and the development of secondary male characteristics.

Scrotum

A sack of skin and smooth muscle that holds the testes outside the body to keep sperm cooler.

Seminiferous Tubules

Tiny tubes inside each testicle that produce sperm cells.

Epididymis

Structure located above each testicle where sperm mature and are stored.

Vas Deferens

A tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.

Prostate Gland

Gland that creates fluid representing $30\%$ of semen, neutralizing the acidic environment of the vagina.

Cowper's Gland

Gland that creates a clear fluid (approx. $5\%$ of semen) to lubricate the urethra and protect sperm.

Seminal Vesicle

Gland that creates a nutrient-rich fluid making up $50\%-70\%$ of semen to provide energy for sperm.

Semen

The milky fluid that sperm swim in.

Fimbria

The feathery ends of the fallopian tubes that capture an egg during ovulation.

Endometrium

The lining of the uterus that thickens with blood to nurture a developing baby.

Cervix

The bottom opening of the uterus that dilates for the passage of unfertilized eggs or babies.

Somatic Cell

Any cell of the body except germ cells and gametes, such as nerve, blood, or bone cells.

Germ Cell

Diploid cells that undergo meiosis to produce gametes; sperm and egg cells are also categorized under this term.

Stem Cell

Unspecialized cells that can self-renew and differentiate into specialized cells.

Mutation

Changes in an organism's DNA.

Spontaneous Mutation

A mutation occurring naturally in the cell, such as sickle cell anemia, often due to copying errors during mitosis or meiosis.

Induced Mutation

A mutation caused by exposure to environmental factors called mutagens, often resulting in cancers.