Chromosomes and Heredity Quiz

RNA molecules in cellular organisms that don't carry genetic information. They perform various cellular functions under genetic control.

Basic proteins found in eukaryotic cells. They bind to DNA, helping to package it into chromatin.

The complex of DNA and proteins (histones and non-histones) that forms the building blocks of chromosomes.

The basic structural unit of chromatin, consisting of DNA wrapped around a core of histone proteins.

There are five main types of histones: H1, H2A, H2B, H3, and H4. They differ in their amino acid composition and play various roles in chromatin structure.

Acidic proteins found in chromatin, responsible for a wide range of functions like DNA replication and repair.

A class of small basic proteins found in the sperm of some eukaryotes, replacing histones for a more compact DNA structure.

Non-histone proteins participate in various metabolic activities within the nucleus, including DNA replication, transcription, and repair.

A karyotype is a representation of the complete set of chromosomes in a species. It considers factors like chromosome number, size, centromere position, and banding patterns.

The karyotype is genetically identical within a species. However, it differs between species.

Comparing karyotypes of different species reveals similarities and differences, shedding light on their evolutionary relationships.

An asymmetric karyotype has a large difference between the smallest and largest chromosomes, and fewer metacentric chromosomes.

A symmetric karyotype has a smaller difference between the smallest and largest chromosomes, and more metacentric chromosomes.

An idiogram is a diagrammatic representation of a karyotype. It shows chromosomes arranged in decreasing size order.

Idiograms help us understand chromosome structure and evolution. The arrangement of chromosomes in an idiogram provides insights into evolutionary relationships.

In an idiogram, chromosomes are arranged in descending order of size, with their centromeres aligned in a straight line.

A chromosome banding technique that produces a pattern opposite to G-banding, highlighting terminal bands that are light after G-banding. It involves treating chromosomes with heat and staining them with Giemsa.

A chromosome banding technique that emphasizes the centromeric region. It's achieved by treating chromosomes with alkali and controlling hydrolysis with buffer salt solutions.

A chromosome banding technique that highlights the nucleolar organizer region (NOR), which is responsible for ribosome production.

A chromosome banding technique that stains the telomeres, the ends of chromosomes.

The complete set of chromosomes in a cell or organism. It's a visual representation of the chromosomes arranged in order of size and shape.

A type of chromosomal rearrangement where a segment of one chromosome breaks off and attaches to another chromosome.

A chromosomal change where unequal lengths of chromosomes are exchanged, leading to differences in relative chromosome size.

A hypothesis explaining how changes in chromosome number occur. It suggests that successive unequal translocations can ultimately lead to the loss of a chromosome with no negative impact on the organism.

Pairs of chromosomes with the same genes but possibly different alleles, one from each parent. They look alike and have the same length, centromere position, and gene locations.

Sex chromosomes (X and Y) in some organisms, where the X chromosome is longer and has more genes than the Y chromosome. They have some genes in common but are not identical in size or gene content.

A complete flower with both male (stamens) and female (pistils) reproductive organs, allowing for self-pollination and cross-pollination.

An incomplete flower containing only male or female reproductive organs, requiring cross-pollination for fertilization.

A plant that produces separate male and female flowers on the same individual, allowing for self-pollination.

Self-pollination that occurs within the same flower.

Self-pollination that occurs between different flowers of the same plant.

Self-pollination that occurs before the flower opens.

Chromosomes are considered the organs of heredity because they act as the link between generations, carry genetic material, and control the synthesis of proteins.

A diploid set contains two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. These sets are morphologically similar except for the sex chromosomes (X and Y).

Genetic material (DNA or RNA) is located within the chromosome and its contents remain relatively constant between generations.

Chromosomes replicate their DNA molecule and this information is transcribed into RNA, which directs the synthesis of proteins, ultimately shaping the offspring.

A metacentric chromosome has a centromere located exactly in the middle, resulting in two equal arms. It forms a 'V' shape during anaphase.

A submetacentric chromosome has a centromere slightly off-center, resulting in one arm longer than the other. It forms a 'J' or 'L' shape during anaphase.

An acrocentric chromosome has a centromere near one end, leading to a very short arm and a very long arm. It forms a 'J' or rod shape during anaphase.

A telocentric chromosome has a centromere at one end, resulting in only one arm. It forms an 'I' or rod shape during anaphase.

Highly condensed, tightly packed form of DNA found in eukaryotic cells. It is transcriptionally inactive, meaning genes within it are not expressed.

A type of Heterochromatin that is always tightly packed and inactive, regardless of the cell's stage or function.

A type of Heterochromatin that can switch between active and inactive states depending on the cell's needs and developmental stage.

The difference in condensation levels between euchromatin and heterochromatin, visible as variations in density under a microscope.

Heterochromatin replicates later in the cell cycle compared to euchromatin. This is due to its tight packing, which makes it harder to access for replication enzymes.

Euchromatin replicates earlier in the cell cycle compared to heterochromatin. This is due to its looser packing, making it easier to access for replication enzymes.

Non-genetic components of chromosomes that appear only at metaphase. Matrix surrounds the chromatids, while pellicle encloses the matrix.