Cellular Genetics, Meiosis, and Molecular Biology Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards reviewing key terms and definitions in cell division, genetics, protein synthesis, and mutations.

Crossing over

Process that occurs during prophase I of meiosis, where homologous chromosomes (chromosomes that are similar in shape and size) pair up and exchange segments of their genetic material. This exchange results in new combinations of genes, which increases genetic diversity in the offspring.

Meiosis

Cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes in the parent cell by half and produces four sex cells, or gametes.

Independent assortment

Replicated chromosomes in meiosis are randomly divided among all daughter cells.

Chromosome reduction

Produces haploid gametes from a diploid cell.

Variation

The differences in characteristics between organisms of the same population.

Somatic cells

Any cells in an organism that are not involved in reproduction. These cells make up most of the body's tissues and organs, such as skin, muscles, and bones. Unlike reproductive cells (gametes), somatic cells are diploid, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes—one from each parent.

Gametic cells (gametes)

Sperm in males and eggs in females, haploid.

Chromosome

DNA-containing structure that carries genetic material from one generation to another.

Gene

Functional unit that controls inherited trait expression that is passed on from one generation to another generation.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid is a nucleic acid that is similar to DNA; however, it contains the sugar ribose, the base uracil instead of thymine, and usually is single-stranded.

mRNA

Messenger RNA is a type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA in the nucleus to direct protein synthesis in the cytoplasm.

tRNA

Transfer RNA is a type of RNA that transports amino acids to the ribosome.

Transcription

Process in which mRNA is synthesized from the template DNA.

Translation

Process in which mRNA attaches to the ribosome and a protein is assembled.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA and RNA) that together form a unit of genetic code. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid.

Protein synthesis

The process by which cells create proteins. It involves two main steps: transcription and translation.

Polypeptide

A long chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. These chains form the basic structure of proteins.

Amino acids

Special type of molecule that serves as the building block of proteins.

Gene regulation (expression)

Ability of an organism to control which genes are transcribed in response to the environment.

Cell differentiation

The process by which an unspecialized cell develops into a specialized cell with a defined structure.

Mutation

Permanent change in a cell's DNA, ranging from changes in a single base pair to deletions of large sections of chromosomes.

Stem cells

Special cells that have the ability to develop into many different cell types in the body.

Substitution

Type of genetic mutation where one base pair in the DNA sequence is replaced by another.

Insertion

Type of genetic mutation where one or more nucleotide bases are added into the DNA sequence of a gene.

Deletion

Type of genetic mutation where one or more nucleotide bases are removed from a DNA sequence.