The Cellular Basis of Inheritance

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to sexual reproduction, meiosis, and genetic variation.

Sexual reproduction

The production of haploid cells and the fusion of a haploid cell from each genetic parent to form a unique diploid cell.

Meiosis

Type of cell division that leads to the formation of haploid gametes.

Gamete

A reproductive cell that fuses with another gamete during fertilization.

Diploid

A cell containing two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Haploid

A cell containing one set of chromosomes.

Crossing over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Chiasmata

Structures that form at crossover points after genetic material is exchanged between homologous chromosomes.

Independent assortment

The random orientation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis that contributes to genetic variation.

Nondisjunction

The failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate properly during meiosis.

Aneuploidy

An individual with an abnormal number of chromosomes.

Karyotype

The number and appearance of chromosomes in an individual, including their length and banding pattern.

Polyploidy

A condition in which an individual has more than two complete sets of chromosomes.

Synapsis

The pairing of homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis.

Tetrad

Two duplicated homologous chromosomes bound together by chiasmata during prophase I.

Translocation

The process of a chromosome segment dissociating and attaching to a different, nonhomologous chromosome.

Barr body

The inactivated X chromosome in female mammals.

Recombinant chromosome

A chromosome composed of genetic material from two sources, resulting from crossing over.

Life cycle

The series of events in the development of an organism and the production of its reproductive cells.

Fertilization

The union of two haploid gametes, typically from two different individuals, restoring diploid status.

Sister chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome that are joined at the centromere.

Disorder of chromosome structure

Abnormalities caused by changes in the physical structure of chromosomes.