Unit 3 - Cell Division and Genetics

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to cell division and genetics, perfect for exam preparation.

Cell Cycle

The series of events that takes place in a cell leading to its division and replication.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells, each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus.

Meiosis

A special type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four haploid cells.

Genetic Conditions

Disorders that are caused by abnormalities in an individual's genetic material.

Polygenic Traits

Traits that are controlled by multiple genes, often resulting in a range of phenotypes.

Pedigree Charts

Diagrams that depict the biological relationships between an organism and its ancestors.

Inheritance Patterns

The manner in which genes and traits are passed from parents to offspring.

Sex Linked Inheritance

Inheritance patterns in which traits are determined by genes located on sex chromosomes.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products like proteins.

Cancer

A disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells, which can result from failures in the mechanisms of cell division.