Principles of Biology I - Chapter 13 and Chapter 14 Learning Outcomes

These flashcards cover essential terms and concepts from Chapters 13 and 14 of Principles of Biology I.

Gametes

Reproductive cells that unite during fertilization to form a new organism.

Somatic

Relating to the body; refers to all cells except gametes.

Heredity

The passing of traits from parents to offspring.

Genetics

The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in gametes.

Chromosome

A structure made of DNA and protein that contains genetic information.

Loci/locus

Specific locations on a chromosome where a gene or genetic marker is found.

Sexual reproduction

The process by which offspring are produced through the combination of genetic material from two parents.

Asexual reproduction

The process by which offspring are produced from a single parent without the involvement of gametes.

Autosomes

Chromosomes that are not sex chromosomes; they contain genes for traits not related to gender.

Sex chromosomes

Chromosomes that determine the sex of an individual, typically X and Y in humans.

Karyotype

A visual representation of the complete set of chromosomes in an individual.

Haploid

A cell that contains one complete set of chromosomes, typically found in gametes.

Diploid

A cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Homologous chromosomes

Pairs of chromosomes that are similar in shape, size, and genetic content.

Meiosis I

The first division of meiosis, where homologous chromosomes separate.

Meiosis II

The second division of meiosis, where sister chromatids separate.

Crossing over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Independent assortment of chromosomes

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

Chiasma

The point where two homologous non-sister chromatids exchange genetic material during crossing over.

Random fertilization

The concept that any sperm can fertilize any egg, leading to genetic variation.

Genetic variation

The differences in DNA sequences among individuals which contribute to diversity.

True-breeding variety

Organisms that, when bred, always produce offspring with the same traits.

Self-fertilization

The fusion of male and female gametes from the same individual.

Cross-fertilization

The fusion of male and female gametes from different individuals.

Hybrid

Offspring resulting from the combination of different varieties or species.

F1 generation

The first filial generation, which is the offspring of the P generation.

F2 generation

The second filial generation, which is produced by interbreeding F1 individuals.

P generation

The parental generation in a genetic cross.

Alleles

Different forms of a gene that can exist at a specific locus.

Dominant allele

An allele that expresses its trait even in the presence of a recessive allele.

Recessive allele

An allele that only expresses its trait when two copies are present.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a specific gene.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a specific gene.

Phenotype

The observable traits of an organism, influenced by its genotype.

Genotype

The genetic composition of an organism.

Punnett square

A diagram used to predict the outcome of a genetic cross.

Carrier

An individual who carries one copy of a recessive allele for a trait, but does not express the trait.