Cell Cycle, DNA, Mutations, and Evolution: Key Concepts for Biology

What is the first stage of the cell cycle?

Interphase

What happens during Interphase?

Cell grows, DNA copies itself, nucleus is visible.

What is the second stage of the cell cycle?

Prophase

What occurs during Prophase?

DNA condenses into chromosomes, nuclear membrane disappears, spindle fibers form.

What is the third stage of the cell cycle?

Metaphase

What happens during Metaphase?

Chromosomes line up in the middle.

What is the fourth stage of the cell cycle?

Anaphase

What occurs during Anaphase?

Sister chromatids separate.

What is the fifth stage of the cell cycle?

Telophase

What happens during Telophase?

New nuclei form, chromosomes uncoil.

What is the final stage of the cell cycle?

Cytokinesis

What occurs during Cytokinesis?

Cell splits into two cells.

What does DNA replication mean?

DNA replication is semiconservative.

What does the 'T' in DNA stand for?

Thymine

What is the process of Transcription?

DNA is converted to mRNA.

Where does Transcription occur?

In the nucleus.

What is the process of Translation?

mRNA is converted to protein.

Where does Translation occur?

At the ribosome in the cytoplasm.

What is a Silent Mutation?

DNA changes but amino acid stays the same.

What is a Missense Mutation?

One amino acid changes.

What is a Nonsense Mutation?

Mutation creates a stop codon.

What is a Frameshift Mutation?

Caused by insertion or deletion, changes every codon after the mutation.

What is Cell Differentiation?

Cells become specialized for different jobs.

What is a Gene?

Segment of DNA that codes for a trait.

What is an Allele?

Different version of a gene.

What is a Genotype?

Genetic makeup (BB, Bb, bb).

What is a Phenotype?

Physical appearance (brown eyes, blue eyes).

What is Complete Dominance?

One allele completely masks the other.

What is Incomplete Dominance?

Blend of traits.

What is Codominance?

Both traits show.

What is a Gamete?

Sex cell (sperm or egg).

What is a Zygote?

Fertilized egg.

What is the definition of Evolution?

Change in allele frequencies in a population over time.

What is an Adaptation?

Trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce.

What is Fitness in evolutionary terms?

Ability to survive and reproduce.

What are Homologous Structures?

Same structure, different function.

What are Analogous Structures?

Same function, different structure.

What are Vestigial Structures?

Leftover structures from ancestors.