BIO 101: Cell Division, Genetics, Reproduction, and Mutation

Vocabulary flashcards covering basic cell biology, interphase, mitosis, meiosis, genetics, Mendel's laws, reproduction types, and mutation mechanisms based on BIO 101 lecture notes.

Extracellular space

The space outside the cell.

Intracellular space

The space inside the cell.

Cell Cycle

The period between two cell divisions; specifically, the sequence of events from the completion of one division until the end of the next division of the nucleus and cytoplasm.

Karyokinesis

The division of the cell's nucleus.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cell's cytoplasm.

First Gap phase (G1)

The longest and most variable phase of interphase where the cell grows in size and volume, expending large amounts of energy to synthesize RNA and proteins.

G0 phase

A resting phase entered by cells that do not continue around the cell cycle, during which they perform normal cell-type specific functions.

Synthesis phase (S phase)

The stage of interphase where chromosomes replicate to form two identical copies of DNA and cellular proteins bound to DNA, resulting in $96$ chromosomes.

Second Gap phase (G2)

The final segment of interphase involving further growth, protein synthesis, and preparation for cell division.

Apoptosis

A regulated process where ageing cells at the end of their natural life span undergo self-destruction and their components are removed by phagocytosis.

Mitosis

Cell division resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells that maintain the same diploid number ($2n$) of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Centromere

The region that joins two identical chromatids together in a double chromosome unit.

Prophase (Mitosis)

The mitotic stage where replicated chromatin tightly coils, original chromosomes exist as paired chromatids joined at centromeres, and the mitotic apparatus appears.

Metaphase (Mitosis)

The mitotic stage where paired chromatids align along the center of the spindle attached by their centromeres.

Anaphase (Mitosis)

The mitotic stage where centromeres separate and individual sister chromatids migrate to opposite ends as the spindle microtubules contract.

Telophase (Mitosis)

The final stage of mitosis where the mitotic spindle disappears, chromosomes uncoil, and the nuclear envelope reforms.

Meiosis

A reduction division coined by J.B. Farmer in 1905 that produces four haploid cells from a single diploid cell.

Bivalent

A pair of synapsed homologous chromosomes formed during mid prophase I of meiosis.

Heredity

The transmission and expression of characters or traits from parents to offspring.

Genetics

The scientific study of heredity and variation in living organisms.

Transmission Genetics

The branch of genetics studying the mode of gene transmission from generation to generation.

Molecular Biology (Genetics)

The branch of genetics studying the molecular structure and function of genes.

Population Genetics

The branch of genetics studying the behavior and dynamics of genes in populations.

Phenotype

The observable physical appearance or traits of an organism.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism.

Homozygous

An organism that possesses two identical alleles or genes for a specific character.

Heterozygous

An organism that possesses two different alleles controlling a pair of contrasting characters.

Genetic Crossing Over

The mutual exchange of equal segments of genetic material between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes during prophase of meiosis.

Chiasma

The visible physical evidence or structure indicating that crossing-over has taken place between non-sister chromatids.

Genetic Linkage

The tendency of genes located on the same chromosome to stay together during inheritance rather than assorting independently.

Law of Segregation

Mendel's First Law (or law of purity of gametes), stating that allele pairs separate during gamete formation so that offspring inherit one allele from each parent.

Morphological Variation

Continuous differences in noticeable physical features (such as height, weight, or skin color) among individuals of the same species.

Physiological Variation

Discontinuous differences in functional or behavioral traits (such as blood groups or tongue rolling) among individuals of the same species.

Asexual Reproduction

The creation of a new organism from a single parent without the fusion of male and female gametes.

Binary Fission

A form of asexual reproduction in single-celled organisms where a parent cell replicates its DNA and divides into two equal genetically identical daughter cells.

Budding

An asexual reproduction method where a new individual grows out as an outgrowth or bud from the parent body before detaching.

Parthenogenesis

An asexual reproductive process in which an unfertilized egg cell develops into an embryo without fertilization by sperm.

Sexual Reproduction

A biparental mode of reproduction where haploid male and female gametes fuse to form a diploid zygote.

Conjugation

A mode of sexual reproduction where two individuals temporarily link to exchange or transfer genetic material via pronuclei.

Syngamy

The complete and permanent fusion of haploid male and female gametes to produce a diploid zygote.

Exogamy

Cross-fertilization involving gametes produced by two separate parents of opposite sex.

Endogamy

Self-fertilization where male and female gametes produced by a single hermaphrodite/monoecious individual fuse together.

Isogamy

A type of syngamy where fusing gametes are morphologically identical in size and shape.

Anisogamy

A type of syngamy where fusing male and female gametes differ in size and shape.

Oogamy

A specialized form of anisogamy involving the fusion of a large non-motile female gamete (ovum) and a small motile male gamete (sperm).

Cytogamy

A specialized form of sexual reproduction involving the fusion of cytoplasm between two cells without nuclear fusion.

Neoteny

The production and fusion of gametes while an organism is still in its larval stage.

Somatic Mutations

Mutations occurring in non-reproductive body tissues that are not inherited by offspring.

Germinal Mutations

Mutations occurring in germline/reproductive tissues that can be passed down to progeny.

Spontaneous Mutations

Naturally occurring mutations of unknown origin, also referred to as background mutations.

Induced Mutations

Mutations caused by artificial exposure to mutagens such as radiation, abnormal temperatures, or chemicals.

Point Mutation

A genetic mutation involving a change in a single nucleotide pair or tiny segment of DNA.

Frameshift Mutation

A mutation resulting from the insertion or deletion of single nucleotides that shifts the reading frame of codon translation.