Biology Genetics Chapter Quiz

The incorrect idea that traits acquired during an organism's lifetime are passed down to offspring. This was proposed by Darwin.

The idea that traits gained during an organism's lifetime are inherited by offspring.

The correct theory that inheritance occurs through specific particles (genes) found only in reproductive cells, not the whole body.

The reproductive cells (sperm and egg) that carry genetic information from parents to offspring.

The single cell formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg.

The probability of a single event, expressed as a fraction or decimal.

The probability of multiple events happening together or one after another.

Used to calculate the probability of multiple independent events happening together.

Used to calculate the probability of one of multiple mutually exclusive events occurring.

Used to calculate the probability of a specific number of successes (or failures) in a series of independent trials.

Specialized cells that give rise to gametes (sperm or egg cells).

Germ cells have 46 chromosomes, the same number as a normal body cell.

Gametes have 23 chromosomes, half the number found in germ cells and body cells.

Organs that produce germ cells (testes in males, ovaries in females).

A type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes in a cell by half, producing gametes.

The pairing of homologous chromosomes (pairs of chromosomes with similar genes) during meiosis.

A group of four chromatids (copies of a chromosome) formed by the synapsis of homologous chromosomes.

The first stage of meiosis where the number of chromosomes is halved, resulting in two daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes.

The second stage of meiosis, similar to mitosis, where sister chromatids separate, resulting in four daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes.

A type of reproduction involving the genetic contribution of two individuals, resulting in offspring that are genetically distinct.

A type of reproduction involving only one parent, resulting in offspring that are genetically identical clones.

A form of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes where a single-celled organism divides into two identical daughter cells.

The series of stages that a eukaryotic cell goes through during its life, including growth, DNA replication, and division.

The first phase of the eukaryotic cell cycle where the cell grows and carries out normal metabolic activities.

The phase of the eukaryotic cell cycle where DNA replication occurs, doubling the amount of genetic material in the cell.

The second growth phase of the eukaryotic cell cycle where the cell prepares for mitosis.

The phase of the eukaryotic cell cycle where mitosis and cytokinesis occur, resulting in the division of the cell into two daughter cells.

The first stage of mitosis where chromosomes condense, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle forms.

The stage of mitosis where the nuclear envelope completely dissolves and the spindle fibers attach to the chromosomes at their kinetochores.

The stage of mitosis where the chromosomes align along the equatorial plane of the cell, ensuring equal distribution of genetic material.

The stage of mitosis where the sister chromatids of each chromosome separate and move to opposite poles of the cell.

The final stage of mitosis where the chromosomes decondense, the nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes, and the cell divides.

The process of cell division where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two distinct daughter cells.

The maximum number of times a normal human cell population can divide before entering senescence or death.

A visual representation of an organism's complete set of chromosomes arranged in order of size and shape.

A chemical used to stop cell division at metaphase by destroying spindles, which are structures that separate chromosomes during cell division.

Permanent changes in the DNA sequence of a gene or chromosome.

Mutations that occur in any cell of the body except sperm or egg cells, meaning they are not inherited by offspring.

Mutations that occur in sperm or egg cells, meaning they are passed down to offspring.

A mutation affecting a single nucleotide base pair in a DNA sequence.

Mutations involving structural changes in chromosomes, such as deletions, duplications, inversions, and translocations.

A chromosomal rearrangement in which no genetic material is lost or gained, so the individual is generally phenotypically normal.

A chromosomal rearrangement in which genetic material is either lost or gained, leading to developmental problems or genetic abnormalities.

A condition where an individual has an abnormal number of chromosomes, either more or fewer than the typical two copies of each chromosome.

The process of sperm cell production in males, starting with a spermatogonium and ending with four mature sperm cells. It includes stages like meiosis and differentiation.

The random union of a sperm and an egg during fertilization, contributing to genetic variation in offspring.

The random separation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis, leading to different combinations of genes in gametes.

A small cell produced during oogenesis that contains little cytoplasm and is eventually degraded. It serves to dispose of excess chromosomes.

Organisms chosen for genetic research due to their ease of study and the possibility to make inferences about other organisms.

Mendel's chosen model organism, which was essential in discovering the basic laws of inheritance.

A process where a competent bacterial cell takes up DNA from its environment. This DNA was released from another bacterial cell that was lysed. The cell doesn't need to be alive.

A process where two bacterial cells connect via a tube known as the sex pilus and transfer DNA. Often, this involves plasmids, but it can also involve chromosomal DNA in some bacteria.

A specialized type of conjugation where a cell with an F factor integrated into its chromosome (Hfr) transfers chromosomal DNA to a recipient cell

A type of conjugation where a cell with an F factor that has picked up a piece of the chromosome (F') transfers this DNA to a recipient cell. This is a mix of conjugation and recombination.

A process where a virus (bacterial vector) carries DNA from one bacterium to another. It acts as a carrier of DNA.

A type of transduction where any fragment of bacterial DNA can be transferred via a virus to a recipient cell.

A type of transduction where a virus (bacteriophage) only picks up specific genes from a bacterial host because it has integrated its DNA into the host's DNA.

The protective cap at the end of a chromosome that protects the DNA sequence and prevents degradation.

The constricted region of a chromosome where spindle fibers attach during cell division.

The less condensed form of DNA found in chromosomes that is actively transcribed.

The more condensed form of DNA found in chromosomes that is not actively transcribed.

Chromosomes are categorized into four types based on their structure. These types are metacentric, sub-metacentric, acrocentric, and telocentric. These structures are determined by the position of the centromere.

The complete set of chromosomes in a cell, organized by size and shape. This is useful for studying chromosome number and structure, and can help detect abnormalities.

A segment of DNA that codes for a particular protein or functional RNA.

Alternative forms of a gene, found at the same locus on homologous chromosomes. Different alleles can lead to different traits.

The specific location of a gene on a chromosome.