Science Test 6
Name:______________________________ Student #:_____ Date:___________
Ms. Patel-Ma LE Course: 2 3 5 6
Unit 6 Test Review
Epigenetics: Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can affect how genes are turned on or off and are influenced by factors like environment and lifestyle, potentially being heritable across generations. This field helps explain variations in how organisms with identical DNA sequences can exhibit different behaviors, traits, or health outcomes. (from Unit 5)
mitosis: Mitosis is a process where a single cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the original cell. This is important for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in organisms.
cancer: Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division.
somatic cell: A somatic cell is any cell in the body that is not a reproductive (gamete) cell. These cells make up most of an organism’s body, like skin, liver, and muscle cells, and have a full set of chromosomes.
diploid: A diploid cell contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one set from each parent. This is the standard number of chromosomes in most of the body’s cells, excluding gametes. Represented by "2n"
asexual reproduction: Asexual reproduction is a type of reproduction involving a single parent, resulting in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent. This process is common in many plants and some animal species.
binary fission: Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction commonly found in prokaryotic organisms, such as bacteria, where the organism divides into two parts, each with an identical copy of the original DNA.
budding: Budding is a form of asexual reproduction in which a new organism grows out of the body of a parent organism. Common in some plants, yeasts, and invertebrates like hydras and corals, the new organism develops from a bud and eventually detaches to live independently, genetically identical to the parent
meiosis: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes in the parent cell by half and produces four gamete cells. This process is essential for sexual reproduction and contributes to genetic variation.
crossing over/recombination: During meiosis (prophase I), crossing over is the process where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material. This recombination results in new combinations of genes, which increases genetic diversity in offspring.
gamete: A gamete is a mature haploid reproductive cell—like sperm or eggs—that can unite with another of the opposite sex in sexual reproduction to form a zygote.
sperm: Sperm is the male gamete or reproductive cell involved in sexual reproduction. It carries genetic information and is capable of moving toward an egg to fertilize it.
egg: The egg, or ovum, is the female gamete or reproductive cell in many organisms. It combines with the sperm during fertilization to form a zygote.
haploid: A haploid cell has half the usual number of chromosomes, which is one complete set from either the mother or the father. This is typical of gametes in sexually reproducing organisms. Represented by "n"
sexual reproduction: Sexual reproduction is a biological process by which organisms create offspring by combining genetic materials from two different sexes. This results in genetically diverse offspring, which can be beneficial for evolutionary adaptation.
fertilization: Fertilization is the process where male and female gametes (sperm and egg) unite, initiating the development of a new organism. This event marks the beginning of pregnancy in sexually reproducing organisms which produces organisms with genetic variation.
zygote: A zygote is the initial cell formed when a sperm cell from a male fertilizes an egg cell from a female. It contains a full set of chromosomes, half from each parent, and develops into an embryo.
embryo: An embryo is the early stage of development in multicellular organisms following fertilization and extends until the organism takes a recognizable shape. In humans, this stage lasts through the eighth week of pregnancy.
fetus: A fetus refers to a developing organism after the embryonic stage until birth in mammalian species. This stage is characterized by rapid growth and maturation of organs and systems.
cell differentiation: Cell differentiation is the process by which cells develop into distinct types with specific functions in an organism. This process is essential for creating different tissues and organs. (stem cells get "jobs" or differentiated into specific types of cells)
stem cells: Stem cells are undifferentiated cells capable of both self-renewal and differentiation into specific cell types. They are crucial for growth, repair, and maintenance in living organisms
karyotype: A karyotype is a complete set of chromosomes in an individual that is visible under a microscope following specific staining techniques. It is used to detect chromosomal abnormalities.
estrogen: Estrogen is a primary female sex hormone crucial for sexual and reproductive development produced by the ovary. It regulates the menstrual cycle and affects the reproductive tract, secondary sexual characteristics, and even bone density.
progesterone: Progesterone is a hormone released by the ovaries that plays a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining the early stages of pregnancy. It prepares the body for conception and supports the early development of the embryo.
testosterone: Testosterone is the principal male sex hormone that promotes the development of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics such as muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body hair.
uterus: The uterus is a muscular organ in female mammals where the embryo and fetus develop during pregnancy. It plays a critical role in the menstrual cycle and childbirth
fallopian tubes: Fallopian tubes are two thin tubes leading from the ovaries to the uterus in female reproductive systems, serving as the passageway for eggs and the site of fertilization.
ovary: The ovary is a reproductive organ in females that produces eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. It is crucial for reproduction and influences female health and development.
placenta: The placenta is an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, providing oxygen and nutrients to the growing fetus while removing waste products.
Topic 1 Material:
hypothesis
independent variable
dependent variable
control group
experimental group
placebo
controlled variables
reliability
validity
observation
inference