Chapter 17: Inheritance - I Flashcards

Vocabulary and key term flashcards for Chapter 17: Inheritance - I, covering genetic terminology, cell division processes, and protein synthesis.

Inheritance

The process by which genetic information (traits) is passed from parents to offspring.

Protein synthesis

a fundamental process essential for the growth, development, and maintenance of living organisms

Amino acids

Building blocks of proteins, their sequence determines the shape of the proteins structure and function

Proteins

Composed of long chains of amino acids linked with peptide bonds

Genetic code

It is encoded in DNA, detects Amino acid sequence in a protein

Protein 3D shape

Is determined by the specific sequence of the amino acids

Shape of protein

Crucial for its function, it determines how the protein interacts with other molecules in the body

DNA

A molecule found in cells that carries the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, and reproduction of living organisms.

Gene

A length of DNA that codes for a specific protein.

Allele

One of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same locus on a chromosome.

Genetic Code

The sequence of three nucleotides on DNA that serves as code for a specific amino acid.

Chromosome

A thread-like structure made of DNA and proteins, found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.

Haploid

Refers to a cell or organism that has half the usual number of chromosomes found in somatic (body) cells, containing one set of chromosomes ($n$).

Diploid

Refers to a cell or organism that contains two sets of chromosomes ($2n$), one inherited from each parent.

Sex Chromosome

A chromosome involved in determining an organism's sex, such as $X$ and $Y$ in humans.

Autosomes

Chromosomes that are not involved in determining an individual's sex.

Stem Cell

Undifferentiated cells with the potential to divide by mitosis and develop into various specialized cell types.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in the production of two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Meiosis

A specialized type of cell division that occurs in germ cells and results in the production of four genetically diverse haploid daughter cells.

Character

A characteristic or feature of an organism that can be inherited or influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

Trait

A specific characteristic or attribute of an organism that is determined by genetic factors and can be observed or measured.

Enzymes

Proteins synthesized from DNA instructions that catalyze biochemical reactions within cells, regulating metabolic pathways, DNA replication, and protein synthesis.

Membrane Carriers

Proteins encoded by DNA that transport molecules such as ions, nutrients, and waste products across cell membranes to maintain homeostasis.

Receptors for Neurotransmitters

Proteins coded by DNA that act as receptors on cell membranes, allowing cells to respond to neurotransmitters released by neurons.

Protein Synthesis

The two-step process (transcription and translation) by which cells build proteins using the information encoded in genes.

Transcription

The first step of protein synthesis in the nucleus where DNA unwinds and one strand acts as a template to synthesize messenger RNA (mRNA).

Translation

The second step of protein synthesis taking place at ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where mRNA is used as a template for tRNA molecules to assemble amino acids into a protein.

Chromosome Structure Diagram

A diagram displaying sister chromatids attached at the centromere and containing wrapped DNA.

Inheritance of Sex Diagram

A diagram illustrating sex determination where an $XY$ father and $XX$ mother produce male ($XY$) or female ($XX$) offspring.

Mitosis and Meiosis Process Diagram

A diagram comparing mitosis (yielding 2 identical $2n$ cells) and meiosis (yielding 4 diverse $n$ cells through Meiosis I and II).