Unit 3: Genetics and Cell Division

The passing of traits from parents to offspring.

Thread-like structures in the nucleus of a cell that package DNA.

The arrangement of chromosomes in a cell, showing their pairs.

A molecule that carries the genetic instructions for building and maintaining an organism, made up of two strands with a ladder-like structure.

The basic building block of DNA, consisting of a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Segments of DNA located on chromosomes, containing specific instructions for building proteins.

The specific location of a gene on a chromosome.

The process by which a cell copies its DNA before dividing.

The process of converting DNA information into a messenger molecule (mRNA).

The process of using mRNA to build proteins at ribosomes.

The central dogma describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.

A change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA.

A type of mutation where one nucleotide is replaced by another.

A type of mutation where a nucleotide is added or deleted, shifting the reading frame of the DNA sequence.

The process by which a eukaryotic cell divides its genetic material (nucleus) into two identical daughter cells.

Reproductive cells, like sperm and egg cells, that have half the number of chromosomes as a normal body cell.

The first division in meiosis, where homologous chromosomes separate.

The stage in Meiosis I where homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material.

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during Prophase I.

The stage in Meiosis I where homologous chromosome pairs line up at the center of the cell.

The stage in Meiosis I where homologous chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles of the cell.

The stage in Meiosis I where the cell divides into two daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes.

The second division in meiosis, where sister chromatids are separated.

The failure of chromosomes to separate properly during meiosis.

A condition where a cell has an abnormal number of chromosomes.

A condition where a cell has one less chromosome.

A condition where a cell has one extra chromosome.

The process of creating sperm cells in the testes.

The process of creating egg cells in the ovaries.

Different individuals within a species are selected for desirable traits to reproduce. This process leads to offspring with enhanced characteristics.

The process of breeding organisms with different traits to create offspring with combined characteristics. It aims to improve the genetic diversity and create organisms with desirable traits.

A technique involving the direct transfer of pollen from the stamen of one flower to the stigma of another.

A reproductive technology where sperm is collected from a male and artificially inserted into the female's uterus, bypassing natural mating.

An assisted reproductive technology where an egg is fertilized outside the body in a lab setting, followed by the implantation of the embryo into the female's uterus.

The creation of an organism that is genetically identical to another organism.

A type of cloning that aims to produce a complete organism genetically identical to the donor organism.

A type of cloning where embryonic stem cells are created from a cloned embryo. These cells are used for research and potential therapeutic applications.

A process that involves the manipulation of DNA to create new genetic combinations. This technology has various applications, including research, medicine, and agriculture.

A naturally occurring form of cloning where an organism is created from a part of the parent organism, resulting in genetically identical offspring.

A technique where a fertilized egg is split into two or more embryos, resulting in identical twins or multiples.

A process where the nucleus from a somatic cell (body cell) is transferred into an enucleated egg cell. This results in an embryo with the donor's DNA, leading to the development of a cloned offspring.

Undifferentiated cells with the ability to develop into any type of cell in the body. They hold potential for treating diseases and injuries.

Cells derived from adult tissues that have been reprogrammed to resemble embryonic stem cells. They have the potential to differentiate into various cell types.

The application of reproductive technologies to enhance or alter the genetic makeup of organisms, leading to concerns about ethical implications and potential risks.

The idea that offspring inherit a blend of traits from both parents, resulting in a mixture of parental characteristics.

The theory that a complete miniature person exists in the head of a sperm.

The theory that an embryo develops in stages, influenced by factors both inside and outside the mother.

A specific characteristic or feature that can be passed down from parents to offspring.

Organisms that consistently produce offspring with the same traits over generations.

The process where the male gamete (sperm) fertilizes the female gamete (egg), combining their genetic material.

The generation of organisms that are crossed in a breeding experiment.

The offspring resulting from a cross between two individuals in the P generation.

The offspring resulting from a cross between two individuals in the F₁ generation.

A cross experiment focusing on a single trait, comparing two individuals with different variations of that trait.

Alternative forms of a gene, responsible for the variations of a trait.

A chart that visually shows all possible combinations of alleles an offspring could inherit from its parents.

Pairs of alleles segregate during gamete formation, ensuring each gamete receives only one allele from a pair.

An allele that masks the expression of another allele when present.

An allele whose expression is masked by a dominant allele.

A type of inheritance pattern where both alleles are fully expressed in heterozygous individuals, resulting in a blended phenotype.

A type of inheritance where genes located on the same chromosome are inherited together. These genes typically don't assort independently like Mendel's laws suggest.

A representation of all genes on a single chromosome.

Traits controlled by genes located on sex chromosomes, typically the X chromosome.

A genetic disorder affecting the production of clotting proteins in the blood, resulting in excessive bleeding.

A diagram that tracks the inheritance of traits through generations of a family, using symbols to represent individuals.

A type of inheritance where more than two alleles exist for a particular gene, providing more complex variations in traits.

Universal blood donors, able to donate to any blood type.

Universal blood recipients, able to receive blood from any blood type.

The inheritance of traits controlled by genes located on autosomes (non-sex chromosomes).

A genetic disorder where a single copy of the disease-causing allele is enough to cause the disorder.

A genetic disorder where two copies of the disease-causing allele are required to show the disorder.

A condition where individuals have extra fingers or toes.

A genetic disorder where individuals lack the ability to produce pigment in their skin, hair, and eyes.