Detailed Genetic Flashcards

Heredity

The transmission of traits from parents to offspring through genetic information.

Traits

Characteristics inherited from parents, including physical, behavioral, and biochemical attributes.

Alleles

Different versions of a gene existing at a specific position on a chromosome.

Chromosomes

Structures within cells that contain DNA; humans have 23 pairs for a total of 46.

Homozygous

An individual with two identical alleles for a particular trait.

Heterozygous

An individual with two different alleles for a particular trait.

Phenotype

The observable traits of an organism, resulting from genotype and environmental influences.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual that influences traits.

XX and XY

The sex chromosomes determining an individual's sex, with XX for females and XY for males.

Gregor Mendel

The father of modern genetics known for his experiments with pea plants.

Law of Segregation

The principle stating that alleles for a trait separate during gamete formation.

Law of Independent Assortment

The principle asserting that genes for different traits assort independently during gamete formation.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

A specialized cell division producing gametes, resulting in four genetically diverse haploid cells.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows and DNA is replicated.

Cytokinesis

The phase in which the cytoplasm divides, leading to the formation of two distinct daughter cells.

Dichotomous Key

A tool in taxonomy used for identifying organisms based on a series of choices.

Taxonomy

The science of classifying organisms into hierarchical levels.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid, the molecule carrying genetic information.

Double Helix Structure

The structure of DNA, comprising two intertwined strands of nucleotides.

Nucleotides

Building blocks of DNA made up of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Diffusion

The process of molecules moving from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration.

Osmosis

A specific type of diffusion involving the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane.

Hierarchy of Life

Levels of biological organization from atoms to biospheres.

Pedigrees

Diagrams that display genetic traits across generations within a family.

Characteristics of Life

Criteria defining living organisms, including metabolism, homeostasis, and reproduction.

Genes

Segments of DNA that serve as units of heredity encoding instructions for proteins.

Centromere

The part of a chromosome that links sister chromatids together.

Proteins

Molecules synthesized according to DNA instructions that determine specific traits.

Codons

Sequences of three nucleotides in DNA that specify particular amino acids.

Amino Acids

The building blocks of proteins linked together to form functional structures.

Punnett Squares

Grid systems predicting possible genotypes and phenotypes from genetic crosses.

Cell Membrane

The boundary of the cell that regulates the movement of substances in and out.

Nucleus

The organelle containing genetic material and controlling cellular activities.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like fluid where organelles are suspended.

Cell Theory

Key principles stating all living organisms are made of cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.