Science Test 6

Epigenetics

Study of changes in gene expression not due to DNA sequence alterations, influenced by environment and lifestyle, potentially heritable.

Mitosis

Cell division process yielding two identical daughter cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell, crucial for growth and repair.

Cancer

Disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division.

Somatic cell

Any non-reproductive cell in an organism's body, comprising most body cells with a full set of chromosomes.

Diploid

Cell with two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, excluding gametes, represented as "2n".

Asexual reproduction

Reproduction involving a single parent, resulting in genetically identical offspring.

Meiosis

Cell division reducing chromosome number by half, producing four gamete cells essential for sexual reproduction.

Crossing over/recombination

Process during meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, increasing genetic diversity.

Gamete

Mature haploid reproductive cell uniting with another in sexual reproduction to form a zygote.

Sexual reproduction

Process creating offspring by combining genetic materials from two different sexes, leading to genetically diverse offspring.

Fertilization

Uniting of male and female gametes to initiate the development of a new organism.

Zygote

Initial cell formed by the union of sperm and egg cells, containing a full set of chromosomes.

Cell differentiation

Process where cells develop into distinct types with specific functions in an organism.

Stem cells

Undifferentiated cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into specific cell types, crucial for growth and repair.

Estrogen

Primary female sex hormone crucial for sexual and reproductive development.

Progesterone

Hormone regulating the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy stages.

Testosterone

Principal male sex hormone promoting male reproductive tissue development and secondary sexual characteristics.

Uterus

Muscular organ in female mammals where embryos and fetuses develop during pregnancy.

Fallopian tubes

Thin tubes leading from ovaries to the uterus in female reproductive systems, facilitating egg transport and fertilization.

Ovary

Female reproductive organ producing eggs and hormones crucial for reproduction and female health.