Untitled Flashcards Set ur mom

Allele

A variant form of a gene at a particular locus.

Autosome

A chromosome that is not a sex chromosome.

Binary Fission

A method of asexual reproduction in single-celled organisms where the cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

Cell Cycle

The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication of its DNA.

Centimorgan (cM)

A unit used to measure the distance between genes on a chromosome.

Centromere

The region on a chromosome where sister chromatids are joined.

Chromatid

One of the two identical halves of a replicated chromosome.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and proteins that makes up eukaryotic chromosomes.

Chromosome

A thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information.

Crossing Over (Recombination)

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis I.

Diploid (2N)

A cell or organism containing two sets of chromosomes.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information.

Dominant

An allele that expresses its phenotypic effect even when heterozygous with a recessive allele.

Epistasis

A circumstance where the expression of one gene is modified by one or more other genes.

Evolutionary Genetics

The study of the genetic relationships between organisms and the evolution of genes.

Gamete

A sex cell (e.g., sperm or egg) with a haploid number of chromosomes.

Gene

A unit of heredity that determines characteristics of offspring.

Genetics

The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

Genome

All the genetic material in a cell or organism.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism.

Haploid (1N)

A cell or organism containing one set of chromosomes.

Heredity

The passing of characteristics genetically from one generation to another.

Heritability

The proportion of phenotypic variance attributable to genetic variance.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a particular gene.

Homologous Chromosomes

Chromosomes that have the same genes at the same loci but possibly different alleles.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a particular gene.

Karyotype

The chromosomal constitution of an individual, typically depicted in an organized manner.

Linkage

The close location of genes or DNA markers on chromosomes.

Locus (plural loci)

The specific location of a gene on a chromosome.

LOD analysis

A statistical technique for determining if two genetic loci are inherited together.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that produces four daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes.

Mitosis

A type of cell division resulting in two daughter cells with identical chromosomes.

Molecular Genetics

The study of the structure and function of genes at the molecular level.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics of an organism resulting from genotype-environment interaction.

Ploidy

The number of sets of chromosomes in a cell (e.g., haploid, diploid).

Probability

The likelihood of a specific event occurring, based on past occurrences.

Recessive

An allele that expresses its effect only when homozygous.

Sex Chromosome

A chromosome involved in determining the sex of an organism.

Sister Chromatids

Two identical copies of a single chromosome connected at the centromere.

Somatic Cell

Any cell of a living organism other than the reproductive cells.

Synapsis

The pairing of homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis.

Transmission Genetics (Mendelian Genetics)

The study of the transmission of traits in successive generations.

Triploid (3N)

A cell or organism containing three sets of chromosomes.

Ploidy Level

The number of sets of chromosomes in a cell.

Mendel's Law of Segregation

States that allele pairs separate during gamete formation; each gamete receives one allele.

Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment

States that alleles of different genes assort independently during gamete formation.

Chi-squared Test

A statistical test comparing observed and expected results to determine significance.

G1 Phase

Cell growth and preparation for DNA replication.

S Phase

The phase of the cell cycle where DNA replication occurs.

G2 Phase

Further growth and preparation for cell division in the cell cycle.

M Phase

The phase of the cell cycle where mitosis and cytokinesis occur.

Homologous Chromosome Pair

A pair of chromosomes, one from each parent, that carry the same genes.

S phase of the Cell Cycle

Phase in which DNA is replicated; sister chromatids form.

Mitosis Purpose

To produce two genetically identical daughter cells for growth and repair.

Meiosis Purpose

To produce gametes with genetic variation for sexual reproduction.

Binary Fission vs. Mitosis

Binary fission is simpler, occurring in prokaryotes, while mitosis is more complex, involving a spindle apparatus.

Meiosis I

The first division in meiosis that separates homologous chromosomes.

Meiosis II

The second division in meiosis that separates sister chromatids.

Genetic Variation Importance

Genetic variation is crucial for natural selection and adaptation in populations.

Recombinant Chromosomes

Chromosomes that result from crossing over during meiosis.

DNA Replication Mechanism

The process by which DNA is copied during the S phase.

Phenotypic Ratios

The ratio of different phenotypes in the offspring of a genetic cross.

Monohybrid Cross Example

A genetic cross between individuals differing in one trait, like flower color.

Dihybrid Cross Example

A genetic cross involving two traits, such as seed shape and color.

Trihybrid Cross Example

A genetic cross involving three traits simultaneously.

Natural Selection Role

Natural selection relies on genetic variation for evolving populations.

Chromosomal Mapping

The process of determining the position of genes on a chromosome.

Kinetochores

Protein complexes on chromatids where spindle fibers attach during cell division.

Germ Cells

Reproductive cells that are haploid and can undergo meiosis.

Phenotypic Expression

The display of traits resulting from an organism's genotype and environment.

Gene Mapping

The determination of the order of genes on a chromosome.

Somatic vs Germ Line Mutations

Somatic mutations occur in non-reproductive cells, while germ line mutations are passed to offspring.

Environmental Influence on Traits

The impact of external factors on an organism's phenotypes.

Linkage Mapping

The technique used to find the relative positions of genes on a chromosome.

Epistatic Interaction

When one gene's expression is influenced by another gene.

Karyotype Analysis

The examination of an individual's chromosomes to identify chromosomal abnormalities.

F1 Generation

The first filial generation resulting from a genetic cross.

Backcross

Crossing an F1 individual with one of its parents.

Testcross

Crossing an individual with an unknown genotype with a homozygous recessive individual.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies in a population.

Speciation

The formation of new and distinct species through evolution.

Isolation Mechanisms

Processes that prevent interbreeding between different species.

Chromosomal Abnormalities

Alterations in chromosome number or structure, which can lead to genetic disorders.

Genetic Counseling Purpose

To provide information and support regarding genetic diseases and conditions.