Bio final

cell cycle

is an ordered series of event involving cell growth, DNA replication, and divison

Prophase

is the first stage of mitosis where chromatin condenses into chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers start to form.

telophase

is the final stage of mitosis where the chromosomes arrive at the poles, begin to decondense back into chromatin, and the nuclear envelopes reform around each set of chromosomes.

haploid

is a term used to describe a cell that contains only one set of chromosomes, typically in gametes (sperm and eggs), which is half the diploid number.

mitosis

is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, involving stages such as prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

metaphase

is the second phase, is the stage of mitosis where chromosomes line up at the cell's equatorial plane, ensuring proper separation during the subsequent anaphase.

chromosomes

a thread like structure inside of the nucleus of animal and plant cells; highly condensed molecule of DNA wrapped around proteins.

diploid

contains two complete sets of chromosomes; one set from each parent

interphase

90% of a cells life; replicates its DNA in prep for mitosis and meiosis

anaphase

3rd phase of mitosis and 2nd in meiosis II; sister chromatids are pulled away by spindle fibers

gametes

sex cells that fuse during fertilization; carry only one set of chromosomes

meiosis

form of cell division in sexually reproducing organisms that produces 4 genetically unique haploid gametes.

nucleotide

building blocks of DNA & RNA, composed of nitrogenous base, five carbon sugar, phosphate group

replication

the fundamental process that makes identical copy of DNA before replication

transcription

DNA is copied into a new RNA molecule by the enzyme RNA polymerser

double helix

three-dimensional structure of DNA

central dogma

genetic information flows in one direction DNA-RNA-protein

translation

the process of synthesizing proteins by decoding messenger RNA sequences into polypeptide chains of amino acids

base pairing rules

adenine = thymine cytosine = guanine

RNA

nucleic acid found in all living cells; acting as a key messenger that translates DNA instructions into functional proteins

DNA

molecule carrying genetic instructions for the development, functions, and reproduction of all known living organisms

somatic cell

all body cells forming an organism’s tissue and organs

autosome

any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome appears in pairs (1-22)

diploid

2 complete sets of chromosome; one from each parent

heterozygous

having 2 different versions of a specific gene; 1 inherited from each parent

dominant

a physical trait that can mask the recessive gene

gene

the basic physical and functional unit of heredity composed of specific DNA sequences that provide instructions for making proteins or RNA molecule

sex linked gene

located on sex chromosomes; distinct inheritance patterns between males and females. Ex: males only have one X chromosome they have more of a chance to have X linked recessive disorders like colorblindness.

pedigree

family tree used in bio to trace the inheritance of specific traits, diseases, or genotype across generations.

gamete

sex cells that fuze during fertiliztion to form a new diploid organism carrying only one set of chromosomes

sex chromosomes

23rd pair of chromosomes in humans that determine sex (X and Y)

meiosis

specialized two step cell division process; produces 4 haploid gametes each contains half the chromosomes number 23 of original diploid cell

genotype

genetic makeup determining its hereditary information

recessive allele

only occurs when both parents carry the gene

allele

represents different versions of DNA sequence at location on chromosomes

incomplete dominance

when a specific trait is not completely expressed over its paired allele resulting in a third, blended phenotype in heterozygous individuals

Karyotype

a persons complete set of chromosomes

homologous chromosomes

pairs of matching chromosomes

haploid

contains a single set of chromosomes

phenotype

observable characteristics, traits, physical properties of an organism

probability

the likelihood of a characteristics occurring

carrier

individual who possesses a gene but doesn’t have the symptoms themselves

complete dominance

trait completely masks the presence of another allele

mutation

a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence of a organism

producer

organisms that create their own food

consumer

an organism that cannot produce its own food

decomposer

an organism that breaks down dead material

biochemical cycle

continuous movement of chemical elements such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and water

commensalism

symbiotic relationship where one is helped and the other is not harmed or helped

parasitism

symbiotic relationship where one is harmed while the other is helped

density independent factors

forces that influence population size regardless of populations density

succession

process where composition of biological community changes over time

food web

complex interconnected food chains

food chain

begins with autotroph and end with apex predators

energy pyramid

illustrates the flow of energy through an ecosystem

biome

geographical region grouped by specific climate, vegetation, animal life, overall ecosystem

biosphere

global ecosystem encompassing all living organisms and their relationships

community

different species populations that live, interact, and coexist in the same area

ecosystem

a unit in ecology consisting of all living organisms

population

same species that live in specific geographic area

species

a group of organisms that occupy a specifc ecological niche

niche

specific role for particular habitat for an organism

habitat

environment where organism, population, or species lives, grows, and reproduces

abiotic

non-living components of an ecosystem

biotic

living components of an ecosystem

biomass

renewable organic material derived from plants and animals

ecology

study of relationships between living organisms and physical environment

carrying capacity

max population size of species