Chromosomes and Inheritance

These flashcards cover key concepts related to chromosomes and their roles in the cell cycle, mitosis, and meiosis.

Cell Cycle

The orderly sequence of events through which a cell replicates itself.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle consisting of G1, S, and G2 phases where the cell prepares for mitosis.

Mitosis

A form of cell division resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells.

G1 Phase

The first phase of interphase where cellular content is replicated but not the DNA.

S Phase

The phase in interphase where DNA synthesis and duplication of chromosomes occur.

G2 Phase

The phase in interphase where duplicated DNA is checked for errors before mitosis.

G0 Stage

A stage where terminally differentiated cells stop dividing and exit the cell cycle.

Somatic Cells

Cells that make up the vast majority of multicellular organisms, going through the cell cycle.

Germ Cells

Precursor cells to gametes that undergo meiosis to produce haploid cells.

Haploid Gametes

Gametes produced by meiosis that contain half the DNA content of the parent cell.

Diploid (2n)

Cells that have two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are connected and where microtubules attach.

Karyokinesis

The division of the nuclear content of the cell during mitosis.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm during mitosis or meiosis.

Crossing Over

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

Chiasmata

The points of crossing-over between homologous chromosomes.

Independent Assortment

The random distribution of homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Karyotype

An analysis of the entire set of chromosomes in a cell.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a replicated chromosome that are joined at the centromere.

Homologous Chromosomes

Chromosomes that have the same genes but may have different alleles.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half and results in the production of gametes.