Chapter 9: Mutation, Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells, and Gene Therapy

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from Chapter 9 on mutation, regenerative medicine, stem cells, and gene therapy.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can affect genetic information.

Point Mutation

A mutation that involves a change in a single nucleotide, which can result in the replacement, insertion, or deletion of that nucleotide.

Trisomy 21

A genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21, commonly known as Down's Syndrome.

Allele

An alternate version of a gene that arises due to mutations.

Meiosis

Cell division that produces sperm or egg cells (germ cells), halving the chromosome number.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.

Regenerative Medicine

A field of medicine that focuses on repairing or replacing damaged tissues and organs through the use of stem cells.

Stem Cells

Immature cells that can divide and differentiate into specialized cell types.

Cell Differentiation

The process by which a stem cell develops into a more specialized cell type.

Germ-Line Mutations

Inherited mutations that are present in all cells of the body and can be passed from parent to child.

Somatic Mutations

Mutations that occur in non-germ cells, which are not passed on to offspring but can cause disease in the individual.

Gene Therapy

An experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease.