Chapter 9: Genetics and Cell Division Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering chromosomal biology, the human life cycle, cell division, and genetic disorders based on Chapter 9 learning outcomes.

Haploid

A cell condition represented as $n$, indicating the cell contains a single set of chromosomes, typical of gametes.

Diploid

A cell condition represented as $2n$, indicating the cell contains two complete sets of chromosomes, typical of somatic cells.

Karyotype

A visual representation of an individual's chromosomes used to determine if they represent a "typical" example or to identify chromosomal disorders.

Asexual Reproduction

A mode of reproduction results in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.

Sexual Reproduction

A mode of reproduction involving meiosis and the fusion of gametes to produce genetic diversity.

Somatic Cells

General body cells that are diploid ($2n$) and undergo mitosis.

Gametes

Reproductive cells, such as sperm and eggs, that are haploid ($n$) and formed through the process of meiosis.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell, maintaining the diploid state.

Meiosis

A specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half to create haploid gametes.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle that occurs before mitosis or meiosis where the cell prepares for division.

Cytokinesis

The process following mitosis or meiosis where the cytoplasm of a single eukaryotic cell divides into two daughter cells.

Independent Assortment

A process occurring during meiosis where different genes independently separate from one another when reproductive cells develop, contributing to genetic diversity.

Crossing Over / Recombination

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis that leads to new combinations of genes.

Identical Twins

Twins that develop from a single fertilized egg that splits into two embryos.

Fraternal Twins

Twins that develop from two separate eggs fertilized by two different sperm cells.

Nondisjunction

An error in meiosis where homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids fail to separate properly.

Aneuploidy

A chromosomal abnormality characterized by an atypical number of chromosomes, such as having an extra or missing chromosome.

Polyploidy

A condition in which an organism has extra complete sets of chromosomes, represented differently than aneuploidy.

Trisomy

A type of aneuploidy where there are three copies of a particular chromosome instead of the normal two, represented as $2n + 1$.

Monosomy

A type of aneuploidy where there is only one copy of a particular chromosome instead of the normal two, represented as $2n - 1$.