Chromosomes and Cell Division Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to chromosomes and cell division, including definitions and explanations relevant to the lecture notes.

Deletion

A karyotype shows that a chromosome is missing a section.

Polyploid

Organisms such as strawberries can have more than 2 copies of each chromosome.

Chromatid

This is one half of a duplicated chromosome.

Centrosome

These structures move to each end of the cell during prophase.

Karyotype

A technique that is used to determine if a developing baby has chromosomal problems.

Missense mutation

When DNA has been changed and it results in an incorrect amino acid added to a protein chain.

Silent mutation

A change to DNA does not end up changing the protein it codes for.

Germ mutation

This is a genetic change that occurs in a gamete.

Why is DNA wrapped around proteins in a chromosome?

DNA is so long that it could get tangled when moved during cell division.

Humans vs Dogs Chromosomes

Humans have more DNA than dogs, yet we have fewer chromosomes because dog chromosomes are smaller than human chromosomes.

Autosomes

In a karyotype, chromosomes are sorted by size. The first 22 pairs of chromosomes are called the autosomes.

Sex chromosomes

The 23rd pair of chromosomes are called the sex chromosomes, typically consisting of an X and Y chromosome for males, and two X chromosomes for females.

Size Comparison of Chromosomes

The Y chromosome is smaller than the X chromosome.