Inheritance & Reproduction

Vocabulary flashcards for key terms related to inheritance and reproduction.

Inheritance

The transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next.

Continuity of Species

Inheritance leads to the continuity of the species.

Variation

Inheritance leads to variation within a species.

Chromosome

A thread of DNA, made up of genes.

Gene

A section of DNA, which codes for the formation of a protein controlling a specific characteristic of the organism.

Haploid Nucleus

A nucleus containing a single set of unpaired chromosomes (e.g., in sperm and ova/eggs).

Diploid Nucleus

A nucleus containing pairs of chromosomes (e.g., in somatic/body cells).

Human Haploid Number

23

Human Diploid Number

46

Location of Chromosomes

Found in the nucleus of every cell.

Composition of Chromosomes

Packaged form of DNA.

Visibility of Chromosomes

Usually too thin to be seen except with an electron microscope.

Visibility During Cell Division

During cell division, they get shorter and fatter, becoming visible with a light microscope.

Karyotyping

The process of taking photographs of chromosomes to study their number and identify any abnormalities.

Chromosome Pairs

Chromosomes exist in the nucleus of body cells as identical pairs.

Sex Chromosomes in Males

May be non-identical (XY).

Sex Chromosomes in Females

Identical pair (XX).

Number of Chromosomes in Human Cells

46, which are in pairs.

Chromosome Number in Sex Cells

23

Zygote Formation

During fertilization, a sperm cell unites with an ovum to form a zygote.

Zygote Chromosome Number

Has a nucleus with 46 chromosomes.

Chromosome Number Specificity

The chromosome number is specific to each species.

Function of Genes

Code for the formation of different proteins that give us our characteristics.

Location of Genes

A certain length of DNA on the chromosomes.

Gene Coding

Each gene codes for a specific characteristic.

Gene Inheritance

One gene is passed from the mother, and the other from the father.

Gene Presence in Offspring

Any one of the genes or a combination of both may be presented in the offspring.

Genes and Variation

Genes bring about variation.

Chromosomes, DNA, and Genes Relationship

Chromosomes>DNA>Genes

Human Chromosome Pairs

Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes.

Sex Chromosomes

The 23rd pair (sex chromosomes) determines male (XY) or female (XX).

Diploid Cells (2n)

Have 46 chromosomes (e.g., skin cells, brain cells, liver cells).

Haploid Cells (n)

Have 23 chromosomes (e.g., sperm, ovum).

Chromosome Number in Different Species

Different species have different numbers of chromosomes in their cell nuclei.

Human Chromosome Number

46

Fruit Fly Chromosome Number

Eight

Mango Tree Chromosome Number

40

Karyotyping - Chromosome Analysis

Pairing and arrangement of all the chromosomes according to their size.

Function of Genes

Each chromosome is made up of hundreds of different genes.

Gene Arrangement

Genes are arranged in a particular sequence along the chromosome.

Gene Control

Each gene controls a particular characteristic in the organism.

Human Genome Project (HGP)

Recent strides in genetics have been made through the Human Genome Project.

Chromosome Composition

Chromosomes are made of a chemical substance called DNA.

Genes and DNA

Genes are also made of DNA deoxyribonucleic acid.

DNA Structure

A DNA molecule has a shape like a twisted ladder, called a double helix.

DNA Carries

DNA carries and transmits hereditary materials or genetic instructions from parents to offspring.

DNA Functions

DNA is responsible for the inheritance of genetic information in all living beings.

DNA Role

DNA also plays a crucial role in the production of proteins.

Location of Nuclear DNA

Nuclear DNA is contained within the nucleus of every cell in a eukaryotic organism.

Organisms Variation

Organisms that belong to different species usually look very different from one another (e.g., horses vs. donkeys, lions vs. tigers).

Factors that Influence Variation

Genetics, Environment, Random mixing of genes, Errors in DNA copying

Alleles

One of two or more possible forms of a gene that are found at the same place on a chromosome.

Germinal Variation

Inheritable variations as they occur in the germ cells/gametic cells.

Continuous Variation

A variation in characteristic that changes gradually among the individuals of a population.

Discontinuous Variation

Sudden changes in the characteristics due to an error in DNA copying (mutation) in the individuals of a population.

Somatic Variation

Losing or gaining weight doesn't make changes in germ cells/gametes.

Placenta

Some cells of an embryo form an organ called the placenta.

Umbilical Cord

The embryo is linked to the placenta by the umbilical cord.

Placenta Function

The placenta prevents the mixing of maternal and fetal blood to avoid blood clotting.

Umbilical Cord Function

The umbilical cord connects the placenta to the fetus, transporting nutrients and oxygen towards the fetus from the placenta; transports waste products and carbon dioxide from the fetus to the placenta.

Amnion

The fetus is surrounded by a strong membrane called the amnion.

Amniotic Fluid

Inside the amnion is a liquid called amniotic fluid; protects the fetus from mechanical damage, acts like a shock absorber, and maintains a constant temperature around the fetus.

Gestation Period

Gestation period (pregnancy) is the time period between fertilization and birth; the total gestation period in humans is 40 weeks (9 months, 9 days).

Embryology

The study of growth of an embryo.

Obstetricians

Doctors who specialize in looking after maternal health and conducting deliveries.

Oxytocin

Labour is triggered by the hormone oxytocin.

Gametes

Specialized reproductive cells from the male and female that take place in sexual reproduction.

Egg (Female gamete)

Sex cell for reproduction of the femaile

Sperm (Male gamete)

Sex cell for reproduction of the male

Female Reproductive System

A pair of ovaries, a pair of fallopian tubes/oviducts, accessory organs such as the uterus that allows for sexual reproduction

Ovary

Small organs producing eggs and hormones. Eggs may combine with sperm for conception.

Uterus

Muscular organ nurturing a developing baby during pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, its lining is shed in the menstrual cycle.

Gametes Sizes

Egg Cell and Sperm. Millions are released at a time.

Fallopian Tube

Transports the egg from the ovary for fusion. Transports the fused egg to the uterus.

Zygote

When the sperm fuses with the egg, it forms a zygote that gives rise to a new progeny.

Ovulation

The release of the ovum/egg from the ovary

Fertilisation

The fusion of the male and female gamete to form the zygote

Implantation

The attachment of the embryo to the uterus lining to derive nutrition

Healthy Fetus

Requires Highly nutritive balanced diet to support growth and development during the gestation period

Protein

Needed to help the fetus to produce new cells and grow

Carbohydrate

Supplies energy where glucose is combined with oxygen, in respiration to fuel those cells created by the protein

Vitamins and minerals

are very important for fetuses. Iron is needed to make hemoglobin

Drug

something that is taken into the body, and that affects the way the body works.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are drugs that kill bacteria in the body and are used to cure the infections caused by bacteria.

Drug abuse

Leads to depression and are very difficult to give up if addiction develops

Reproduction

The process in which organisms produce young ones of their own kind

Asexual Reproduction

Budding, Fragmentation, Spore formation, Vegetative propagation

Sexual Reproduction

Fertilisation between Male and Female gamete

Asexual reproduction

the process used to produce genetically identical offspring from one parent.

Binary Fission

Amoeba prepares for division, separate nucleus, separate cytoplam as daughter cells take form

Budding

Hydra initiates bud, maturate, develop tentacle until detaching

Spore Formation

Rhizopus forms sores, release spores, that grow in young mold after release.

Fragmentation

Spirogyra breaks into Fragments each become an individual

Regeneration

Planaria regenerates lost removed parts to be made into a new organism

Sexual Reproduction

Sexual Reproduction is the process used to produce genetically different organisms offspring from two parent. It involves cells called gametes.

Sexual Reproduction Adaptation

High genetic variation makes survival more likely, diversity leads organisms to become better adapted. However it takes more time and energy requiring two parents may be needed which can be hard if mates are rare

Parts of plants

Leaf, Stem, Roots, Fruit , Flower

Vegative Parts of a Plant

Vegetative, Fruit,Leaft,Stem,Root,Sexual

Parts of Flower

Stigma,Stamen,Anther,Filament,Pistil,Style,Petals,Ovary, Sepals,Ovules,Thalamus,Pedicel

Sepal

calyx is a set