Biology Chapter on Meiosis and Genetic Factors

A specific version of a gene that can lead to a different protein structure and function.

A gene located on chromosome 2 that codes for a protein called ApoB, which helps LDL particles bind to the LDL receptor.

A gene located on chromosome 1 that codes for a protein called PCSK9, which can bind to LDL receptors and prevent their recycling back to the cell membrane.

The set of alleles a person carries for a specific gene.

A type of gene mutation that results in the deletion of nucleotides, leading to missing amino acids in the protein.

The process of maintaining a stable level of cholesterol in the blood.

A protein involved in cholesterol processing that can be affected by mutations in the APOB gene, leading to fewer LDL particles being captured and brought into cells.

The scientific study of genes, their variations, and their effects on individual traits.

A genetic score reflecting individual risk for a trait based on multiple genes.

The study of how multiple genes interact to influence a particular trait.

A diagram used by geneticists to trace inheritance patterns of specific traits through generations of related individuals.

Reproductive cells containing half the genetic information of a parent.

The process in which an egg cell and a sperm cell fuse together to create a fertilized egg.

The complete set of genes an individual carries.

A mutation in this gene can reduce the number of LDL receptors on the cell surface, leading to higher levels of cholesterol in the blood.

When a single gene mutation leads to a disease, it's classified as monogenic.

Having mutated alleles in two genes that affect cholesterol processing can result in even higher LDL cholesterol levels.

Many factors besides the three genes of focus (LDLR, PCSK9, and APOB) can influence cholesterol levels.

Mutations in genes coding for proteins involved in cholesterol processing can also affect cholesterol levels.

Heart disease can have multiple genetic and environmental causes, not just monogenic mutations.

A cell with one set of chromosomes (23 in humans), found in gametes (sperm and egg).

A cell with two sets of chromosomes (46 in humans), found in most body cells.

The process of cell division that produces gametes (sex cells), halving the chromosome number.

Chromosomes are duplicated before meiosis begins. These two identical DNA molecules are held together near their center.

During the first stage of meiosis, paired chromosomes separate, forming two daughter cells with one copy of each duplicated chromosome.

During the second stage of meiosis, duplicated chromosomes are split, forming four daughter cells (gametes) with one set of chromosomes.

One set of chromosomes is inherited from the mother (egg) and one set is inherited from the father (sperm).

The combination of chromosomes from the egg and sperm creates a diploid zygote, the first cell of a new organism.

The process of shuffling chromosomes during meiosis, where each chromosome pair separates independently, leading to unique combinations of chromosomes in the offspring.

A combination of alleles that can lead to higher LDL cholesterol levels in the blood, potentially increasing heart disease risk.

The possibility of inheriting different allele combinations from parents, resulting in more variation among siblings.

Two genes located close together on the same chromosome are more likely to be inherited together.

The process by which chromosomes exchange genetic material during meiosis, leading to new combinations of alleles.

Chromosomes that have exchanged genetic material during crossing over, resulting in a unique combination of alleles.

The likelihood of two genes being separated by crossing over is higher if they are located further apart on the same chromosome.

Even with similar genes, siblings can inherit different combinations of alleles due to independent assortment and crossing over, leading to variations in traits like cholesterol levels.

The combined effect of genes and environmental factors on a complex trait like cholesterol levels.