Midterm Study Guide: Photosynthesis, DNA Technology, Mitosis, Cancer, Meiosis, and Genetics

This set of flashcards covers key concepts in photosynthesis, DNA technology, mitosis, cancer, meiosis, and basic genetics, highlighting important vocabulary and definitions.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll pigments.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in eukaryotic cells where photosynthesis occurs.

Thylakoid membrane

Membrane within chloroplasts where the light-capturing reactions of photosynthesis occur.

Pigments

Molecules that absorb specific wavelengths of light and reflect others, responsible for the color of plants.

Chlorophylls

Photosynthetic pigments that absorb purple/blue and red light; appear green.

Carotenoids

Pigments that absorb blue/green light and appear yellow, orange, or red; they also act as antioxidants.

Calvin Cycle

Stage of photosynthesis where ATP and NADPH are used to build carbohydrates from carbon dioxide.

Photorespiration

Inefficient process where rubisco fixes oxygen instead of carbon dioxide, using energy and releasing CO2.

Transgenic organisms

Organisms that have had DNA from another species inserted into their genome.

PCR

Polymerase Chain Reaction, a method used to amplify specific DNA sequences rapidly.

CRISPR/Cas9

A revolutionary gene-editing technology that allows precise alterations to DNA in various organisms.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells, both with the same chromosome number as the parent cell.

Tumor suppressor genes

Genes that regulate cell growth and division; mutations can lead to cancer.

Proto-oncogenes

Normal genes that, when mutated, can become oncogenes and promote uncontrolled cell division.

Aneuploidy

Abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell, often resulting from nondisjunction during meiosis.

Meiosis

Type of cell division that produces gametes, leading to genetic diversity through crossing over and independent assortment.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an individual, represented by alleles inherited from parents.

Phenotype

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

Punnett square

A diagram used to predict the outcomes of genetic crosses, showing possible allele combinations from parents.