Gametes, Alleles, and Inheritance

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to gametes, alleles, inheritance, and associated biological processes.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) that carry half the genetic information of an individual.

Alleles

Different versions of a gene that may exist at a specific locus on a chromosome.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the formation of gametes.

Haploid

A cell that contains one complete set of chromosomes, typical of gametes.

Homologous Chromosomes

Chromosome pairs, one from each parent, that are similar in shape, size, and genetic content.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual, often represented by alleles.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an individual, determined by the genotype.

Probability of Passing an Allele

The chance that a particular allele from a parent will be passed on to an offspring, often expressed as a fraction.

Signaling Molecule

A chemical released by a signaling cell that binds to a receptor on a responding cell to trigger a response.

Receptor Protein

A protein that binds to a signaling molecule, initiating a cellular response.