Untitled Flashcards Set

Cell Cycle & Reproduction

• Interphase (3 steps) – The cell cycle phase where the cell grows (G1), duplicates DNA (S), and prepares for division (G2).

• Cytokinesis – The division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells.

• Mitosis – A type of cell division that results in two identical diploid cells.

• Meiosis – A type of cell division that produces four non-identical haploid gametes.

• Crossing Over – The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, increasing genetic diversity.

• Independent Assortment – The random distribution of chromosomes to gametes during meiosis.

• Spindle Fibres – Protein structures that help separate chromosomes during cell division.

• Diploid – A cell with two sets of chromosomes (2n).

• Haploid – A cell with one set of chromosomes (n).

• Gametes – Sex cells (sperm and egg) that carry half the genetic information.

Viral & Bacterial Cycles

• Lytic Cycle – A viral replication process where the virus destroys the host cell.

• Lysogenic Cycle – A viral process where the virus integrates into the host genome and remains dormant before activation.

Types of Reproduction

• Sexual Reproduction – The fusion of gametes (sperm and egg) to create genetically unique offspring.

• Asexual Reproduction – Offspring are produced without gametes, resulting in genetically identical clones.

• Budding – A new organism grows from the body of the parent.

• Vegetative Reproduction – New plants grow from roots, stems, or leaves without seeds.

• Fragmentation – A parent organism breaks into pieces, each growing into a new individual.

• Parthenogenesis – Offspring develop from an unfertilized egg.

• Spores – Reproductive cells that grow into new organisms without fertilization.

• Sporophyte – The diploid stage in a plant’s life cycle that produces spores.

• Gametophyte – The haploid stage in a plant’s life cycle that produces gametes.

Flower & Plant Reproduction

• Perfect Flower – A flower with both male (stamens) and female (carpels) reproductive structures.

• Imperfect Flower – A flower missing either male or female reproductive structures.

• Endosperm – A nutrient-rich tissue in seeds that nourishes the developing embryo.

Human Reproduction & Development

• Bacterial STI – Sexually transmitted infections caused by bacteria (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea).

• Viral STI – Sexually transmitted infections caused by viruses (e.g., HIV, herpes).

• FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) – A hormone that stimulates egg and sperm production.

• GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone) – A hormone that regulates the release of FSH and LH.

• LH (Luteinizing Hormone) – A hormone that triggers ovulation and testosterone production.

• Inhibin – A hormone that regulates FSH production.

• Testosterone – The primary male sex hormone responsible for male characteristics and sperm production.

• Estrogen – A hormone that regulates female reproductive functions and secondary sexual traits.

• Progesterone – A hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy.

• Ovarian Cycle – The monthly cycle of egg maturation and release in females.

• Uterine Cycle – The monthly preparation of the uterus for pregnancy, including menstruation.

• Teratogen – Any substance that causes birth defects.

• Prenatal Screening – Tests performed during pregnancy to assess the health and development of the fetus.

Genetics

• Monohybrid Cross – A genetic cross examining the inheritance of one trait.

• Dominant – A trait that is expressed if at least one allele is present.

• Recessive – A trait that is only expressed if two recessive alleles are present.

• Law of Segregation – Each parent passes one allele for each trait to offspring.

• Law of Independent Assortment – Genes for different traits are inherited separately.

• Dihybrid Cross – A genetic cross examining the inheritance of two traits.

• Codominance – Both alleles in a gene pair are fully expressed.

• Incomplete Dominance – A blend of two traits appears in the phenotype.

• Test Cross – A cross with a homozygous recessive individual to determine an unknown genotype.

• The Chromosome Theory of Inheritance – Genes are carried on chromosomes and passed to offspring.

• Sex-Linked Traits – Traits controlled by genes on sex chromosomes (e.g., color blindness).

• Multiple Alleles – More than two possible alleles exist for a gene (e.g., blood type).

• Polygenic Inheritance – A trait controlled by multiple genes (e.g., skin color).

• Continuous Traits – Traits that show a range of variations due to polygenic inheritance.