Year 10 Biology - DNA, Inheritance, Evolution

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from Year 10 Biology lecture notes on DNA, Inheritance, Cell Division, Mutations, Evolution, and Taxonomy.

Heritable Characteristics

Traits passed from parents to offspring through genetic material.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

Molecule carrying genetic information in all living organisms.

Genes

Segments of DNA that code for specific proteins.

Chromosomes

Tightly coiled structures made of DNA and proteins that contain many genes.

Karyotype

Visual representation of all the chromosomes in a cell.

Homologous Chromosomes

Pairs of chromosomes that carry genes for the same traits in the same order.

Sex Chromosomes

X and Y chromosomes that determine an individual’s biological sex.

Diploid Cells

Cells with two sets of chromosomes.

Haploid Cells

Cells with only one set of chromosomes.

Trait

Visible or measurable feature of an organism.

Gene

Unit of heredity found on a chromosome.

Allele

Different version of a gene.

Genotype

Specific alleles present in an organism.

Phenotype

Observable characteristics of an organism.

Homozygous

Genotype with two identical alleles.

Heterozygous

Genotype with two different alleles.

Sex-Linked Inheritance

Genes located on sex chromosomes, particularly the X chromosome.

Pedigree Diagrams

Diagrams used to track inheritance of traits across generations.

Mitosis

Cell division producing two identical diploid cells for growth and repair.

Meiosis

Cell division producing four genetically diverse haploid cells for sexual reproduction.

Fertilization

Fusion of male and female gamete to form a zygote.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving a single organism, resulting in genetically identical offspring.

Sexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving two parents, producing genetically varied offspring.

Codon

Sequence of three DNA bases that codes for a single amino acid.

Mutation

Change in the DNA sequence.

Chromosomal Mutations

Large-scale changes in chromosomes.

Point Mutations

Change of a single base in a DNA sequence.

Frameshift Mutations

Insertions or deletions that shift the reading frame of the genetic code.

Genetic Diversity

Total number of genetic characteristics in a population's genetic makeup.

Adaptations

Traits that improve an organism’s chance of survival and reproduction.

Structural Adaptations

Physical features that aid in survival and reproduction.

Functional Adaptations

Internal systems that aid in survival and reproduction.

Behavioral Adaptations

Actions animals take to improve survival and reproduction.

Selective Pressure

Environmental factor affecting an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce.

Natural Selection

Process by which better-adapted organisms survive and reproduce, passing on favorable traits.

Artificial Selection

Human-directed breeding of organisms to produce desired traits.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies in a population.

Gene Flow

Movement of genes between populations.

Species

Group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Taxonomy

Science of classifying organisms into hierarchical groups.

Binomial Nomenclature

Two-part Latin name consisting of genus and species.

Hybrid

Offspring of two different species.

Speciation

Process by which new species arise.

Geographic Isolation

Physical barriers divide populations.

Ecological Isolation

Species living in different habitats.

Temporal Isolation

Mating at different times.

Behavioral Isolation

Different mating behaviors.

Mechanical Isolation

Incompatible reproductive organs.

Allopatric Speciation

Separated by a geographic barrier.

Sympatric Speciation

Same area, different niches.

Parapatric Speciation

Adjacent areas with limited gene flow.

Divergent Evolution

Species evolve from a common ancestor due to different environments.

Convergent Evolution

Unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.

Parallel Evolution

Related species evolving similar traits independently.

Co-evolution

Two or more species influence each other's evolution.

Common Ancestor

Ancestral species from which two or more species have evolved.

Fossils

Historical record of past life showing changes in species.

Homologous Structures

Similar in form but different in function, indicating common ancestry.

Analogous Structures

Different organisms adapt similarly to their environment.