Lecture_17_-_Mitosis_and_Meiosis_2024

DNA

A molecule that contains genetic (hereditary) instructions for producing proteins.

Chromosome

A DNA molecule that carries genetic information.

Gene

A DNA segment containing instructions for producing a specific protein or heritable trait.

Allele

An alternative form (or variant) of a gene, responsible for variation in heritable traits.

Heritable trait

A trait that can be passed from one generation to the next through genetic information.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual, specifically the sequence of nitrogenous bases.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an individual.

Diploid

A term describing a cell or organism that has two sets of chromosomes, typically one from each parent.

Homologous chromosomes

Chromosomes that are the same size and shape, containing the same genes, but not necessarily the same alleles.

Mitosis

A process of cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four genetically diverse gametes.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm that occurs at the end of mitosis and meiosis, resulting in the formation of two daughter cells.

Crossing over

The process during meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange segments, increasing genetic diversity.

Independent assortment

The random distribution of maternal and paternal chromosomes into gametes during meiosis.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) produced by meiosis.

Haploid

A term referring to a cell that has only one complete set of chromosomes.

Fertilization

The fusion of male and female gametes to restore the diploid chromosome number.

Asexual reproduction

A mode of reproduction in which offspring arise from a single parent and are genetically identical to that parent.

Sexual reproduction

A mode of reproduction that involves the fusion of gametes from two parents, resulting in offspring with genetic variations.

Environmental factors

Conditions that influence the reproductive success and survival of individuals in a population.