Chapter 4 Quiz

Heredity

The passing of traits from parents to offspring.

Genetics

The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

A molecule that carries genetic information in cells.

Gene

A segment of a DNA molecule that codes for a particular trait.

Locus

The location of a gene on a chromosome.

Polyploid

Having more than two sets of chromosomes.

Asexual reproduction

The production of offspring from a single parent; offspring are genetically identical to the parent.

Sexual Reproduction

The production of offspring from the fusion of two sex cells; offspring have a different genetic makeup from either parent.

Fragmentation

A method of asexual reproduction where a piece of the parent organism develops into a new individual.

Mitosis

The process by which a eukaryotic cell divides its genetic material into two identical nuclei.

Interphase

The stage where the genetic material is duplicated before cell division.

Chromatin

The tangled strands of DNA and protein within a eukaryotic nucleus.

Sister chromatid

The identical copy of a single chromosome that is attached to the original chromosome.

Cytokinesis

The process in which a cell divides its cytoplasm into two new daughter cells.

Cloning

The process of producing one individual that is genetically identical to another.

Biotechnology

The use and modification of organisms for applications in various fields.

Genetically Modified Organism

An organism whose genetic material has been altered through genetic engineering.

Gamete

A sex cell, including sperm and egg cells.

Fertilization

The process of forming a zygote by the fusion of two gametes.

Zygote

The cell produced by the fusion of two gametes.

Meiosis

A two-stage cell division resulting in gametes with half the number of chromosomes.

Homologous Chromosomes

Matching pairs of chromosomes with similar size and gene information.

Tetrad

A pair of homologous chromosomes, each with two sister chromatids.

Synapsis

The physical pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Crossing Over

The exchange of chromosome segments between homologous chromosomes.

Gametogenesis

The process of producing gametes in animals.

Spermatogenesis

The production of mature sperm cells.

Oogenesis

The production of mature egg cells.

Karyotype

The sorted arrangement of chromosomes according to size and type.

Sex Chromosomes

Chromosomes that determine the sex of the offspring.

Autosomes

Non-sex chromosomes.

Non-disjunction

The failure of homologous chromosomes to separate properly during meiosis.

Trisomy

A chromosomal abnormality having three homologous chromosomes instead of a pair.

Monosomy

A chromosomal abnormality with a single chromosome instead of a pair.

Down syndrome

A chromosomal abnormality with three copies of chromosome 21.

Prenatal Testing

Testing for genetic disorders before birth.

Turner syndrome

A condition with one X and no Y sex chromosome, leading to female appearance without maturation.

Klinefelter syndrome

A condition with two X and one Y sex chromosome, causing male sterility.

Patau syndrome

Trisomy of chromosome 13, leading to serious developmental issues.

Edwards syndrome

Trisomy of chromosome 18, often resulting in organ system defects.

Maternal Inheritance

Inheritance of cytoplasmic DNA from only the female gamete.

Paternal Inheritance

Inheritance of cytoplasmic DNA from only the male gamete.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

The transfer of genetic information from one species to another.

Endosymbiotic Theory

The theory that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from aerobic bacteria.

Cytoplasmic Inheritance

Inheritance based on genetic material found in cellular cytoplasm.