Cytogenetics – Introduction to Heredity

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental terms from the introductory cytogenetics lecture, including heredity concepts, chromosome structure, DNA composition, and essential cellular functions.

Heredity

Transmission of traits and biological information between generations.

Genetics

The scientific study of inherited traits and their variations.

Gene

Unit of heredity; a DNA segment on a chromosome carrying specific genetic information (≈35,000 in the human genome).

Chromosome

Dense nuclear body containing the DNA blueprint for life, consisting of a short arm, a long arm, and a centromere.

Centromere

The constricted region joining the short and long arms of a chromosome.

Karyotype

An ordered display of chromosomes arranged in pairs from largest to smallest.

Autosome

Any of the 22 chromosome pairs that are not sex chromosomes; one copy inherited from each parent.

Sex Chromosome

Chromosomes designated X or Y that determine biological sex (XX = female, XY = male).

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

Molecule composing genes and chromosomes; a double helix of nucleotides built on a phosphate–deoxyribose backbone.

Genome

The complete set of genetic information characteristic of an organism.

Nucleotide

Basic building block of DNA, consisting of a base (A, T, C, or G), deoxyribose sugar, and phosphate group.

Adenine (A)

Nitrogenous base in DNA that pairs with thymine.

Thymine (T)

Nitrogenous base in DNA that pairs with adenine.

Cytosine (C)

Nitrogenous base in DNA that pairs with guanine.

Guanine (G)

Nitrogenous base in DNA that pairs with cytosine.

Cytogenetics

Branch of genetics that studies the structure and function of the cell (cyto-) and its chromosomes.

Cell

Functional unit of life responsible for molecule transport, energy conversion, and reproduction.

Molecule Transport

Cellular process of moving substances across membranes or within the cell.

Energy Conversion

Cellular process of transforming energy into usable forms for biological functions.

Reproduction (Cellular)

Process by which cells divide to produce new cells, ensuring continuity of life.