Cell Biology: Inheritance and Eukaryotic Structure

DNA and chromatin within the cell nucleus that carry genetic information.

Genetic material found outside the nucleus, such as mitochondrial DNA.

Basic unit of DNA packaging, consisting of DNA wrapped around histone proteins.

Metaphase chromosomes are highly condensed forms, visible during cell division.

Study of chromosomes to diagnose genetic disorders and variations.

Less condensed form of chromatin, active during gene expression.

Highly condensed chromatin that is generally not active in gene expression.

Double membrane that encloses the nucleus and regulates substance exchange.

The main phase of the cell cycle where most gene expression occurs.

Fixed and permanent heterochromatin around centromeres and telomeres.

Heterochromatin that can revert to an active state when needed.

Inactive X-chromosome in female cells, composed of facultative heterochromatin.

A syndrome characterized by eye defects, heart issues, and CNS degeneration due to large mtDNA deletions.

The chromosomal DNA found in the nucleus, consisting of 23 pairs of chromosomes.

Extranuclear DNA organized in circular molecules, vital for cellular respiration; 16,569 base pairs.

The organizing process of DNA into a compact structure within the nucleus, including nucleosomes and solenoids.

Proteins that help package DNA into nucleosomes, playing a key role in gene regulation.

The control of gene activity depending on DNA packing density in chromatin.

Inheritance patterns governed by Mendel's laws, applicable to nuclear DNA.

The Y chromosome can be detected in male somatic cells using quinacrine staining due to its fluorescent properties.

The centromere is a constricted region of a chromosome that divides it into two arms and is essential for sister chromatid separation during mitosis.

The kinetochore is a protein complex that forms at the centromere, aiding in the separation of sister chromatids during anaphase.

A metacentric chromosome has the centromere located in the middle, producing two equal arms (p = q).

A submetacentric chromosome has a centromere displaced from the center, resulting in unequal arms (p < q).

An acrocentric chromosome has the centromere positioned at one end, resulting in one very short arm and one long arm.

DNA facilitates efficient storage and organization of genetic material, regulating gene expression based on chromatid structure.

A cellular structure where rRNA is synthesized and ribosomal subunits are formed.

Genetic transmission involving genes located outside of the nucleus, primarily in mitochondria.

Circular DNA found in mitochondria that encodes mitochondrial proteins and enzymes.

Less than 0.01% of mitochondrial DNA is inherited from the father.

A genetic disease causing degeneration of the optic nerve, leading to blindness due to mtDNA mutations.

Diseases resulting from mutations in mtDNA affecting energy production in cells.

A metabolic pathway that produces ATP using energy from electrons transferred through the electron transport chain.

Structures within mitochondria that contain copies of mitochondrial DNA.