Honors Bio Final Exam

Bacteriophage

A virus that infects bacteria, used in molecular biology to understand DNA.

Autosome

Any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome; humans have 22 pairs of autosomes.

Karyotype

A visual representation of an individual's chromosomes, used to identify chromosomal abnormalities.

Trisomy

A genetic condition where an individual has three copies of a chromosome instead of two, e.g., Down syndrome (Trisomy 21).

Monosomy

A genetic condition where an individual has only one copy of a chromosome instead of two, e.g., Turner syndrome (Monosomy X).

Nucleosome

The basic unit of DNA packaging, consisting of a segment of DNA wound around a core of histone proteins.

Transcription Process

The synthesis of mRNA from a DNA template, occurring in the nucleus, involving RNA polymerase.

Translation Process

The decoding of mRNA into a polypeptide chain at the ribosome, involving tRNA and ribosomal RNA (rRNA).

Codon

A three-nucleotide sequence on mRNA that specifies an amino acid.

Anticodon

A complementary three-nucleotide sequence on tRNA that pairs with a corresponding codon on mRNA.

Genetic Code

The set of rules by which information encoded in mRNA is translated into proteins.

Introns

Non-coding regions in RNA that are removed during mRNA processing.

Exons

Coding regions of RNA that remain and are expressed in proteins.

Meiosis

A two-stage process of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four haploid gametes.

Crossing Over

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

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an individual, including homozygous or heterozygous alleles.

Phenotype

The observable traits or characteristics of an individual.

Dominant Trait

A trait that masks the expression of a recessive trait in offspring.

Recessive Trait

A trait that is masked by the presence of a dominant trait.

Punnett Square

A tool used to predict the probability of offspring genotypes and phenotypes based on parental alleles.

Autosomal Recessive Inheritance

A type of inheritance requiring two copies of a recessive allele for the trait to be expressed.

Sex-Linked Traits

Traits associated with genes located on sex chromosomes, often the X chromosome.

Carrier

An individual who has one copy of a recessive allele.

Cystic Fibrosis

An autosomal recessive genetic disorder that affects the respiratory and digestive systems.

Huntington's Disease

An autosomal dominant disorder that causes neurodegeneration and movement disorders.

Albinism

A condition characterized by a lack of melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes.

Red-Green Color Blindness

A common X-linked trait that affects the perception of red and green colors.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

A severe genetic disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, primarily affecting boys.