Genetic Terms Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a mutation?

A mistake in copying genetic code that creates a permanent alteration in genetic material.

What is fertilization?

The process by which sperm and ovum combine to create a zygote.

What are autosomes?

Chromosomes that are not affiliated with sexual expression.

What do sex chromosomes indicate?

The baby’s sex. Signup and view all the answers

What is ovulation?

The rupture of a mature follicle in the ovary and expulsion of its ovum. Signup and view all the answers

Dizygotic twins come from a single fertilized egg.

False Signup and view all the answers

Monozygotic twins are generally genetically identical.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is heredity?

The genetic transmission of heritable characteristics from parents to offspring. Signup and view all the answers

What does DNA stand for?

Deoxyribonucleic Acid. Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of mitosis?

Cell division of non-sex cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is meiosis?

Cell division of sex cells. Signup and view all the answers

What are carriers in genetics?

Individuals who carry one bad copy of a recessive gene and one good one. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Homozygous = Two alleles are the same Heterozygous = Two alleles are different Dominant = Allele that is always expressed Recessive = Usually doesn’t show unless paired with another recessive trait Signup and view all the answers

What is epigenesis?

The influence of the environment on gene expression. Signup and view all the answers

What is infertility?

The inability to conceive a child. Signup and view all the answers

What is in vitro fertilization?

The process of combining eggs and sperm in a laboratory dish. Signup and view all the answers

What is an ultrasound sonography used for?

To direct high-frequency sound waves into the pregnant woman’s abdomen. Signup and view all the answers

What is chorionic villus sampling?

A procedure that involves removing a small sample of the placenta. Signup and view all the answers

What is the germinal stage?

The stage from fertilization to about 2 weeks of gestational age. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definitions of Key Terms

Mutation: An error during genetic code copying that leads to a permanent change in genetic material.
Fertilization (Conception): The union of sperm and ovum, resulting in a zygote that undergoes cell division.
Ovulation: The monthly release of a mature egg from the ovary until menopause.
Dizygotic Twins (Fraternal Twins): Result from two separate eggs fertilized by different sperm; they can be of the same or different sex.
Monozygotic Twins: Formed from the splitting of a single fertilized egg, resulting in genetically identical offspring.
Heredity: The passing of genetic traits from parents to offspring.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA): A helical structure composed of chemical units (bases): Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, and Guanine.
Chromosomes: Structures made of coiled DNA, comprising smaller segments known as genes.

Genetic Structure and Characteristics

Mitosis: Cell division occurring in non-sex cells.
Meiosis: Cell division specific to the formation of sex cells.
Alleles: Variants of a gene that result in different traits.
Genotype: The genetic makeup of an individual, determining traits.
Phenotype: The observable traits of an individual.
Homozygous: Presence of two identical alleles for a trait.
Heterozygous: Presence of two different alleles for a trait.
Dominant Allele: An allele that expresses its trait even in the presence of a different allele.
Recessive Allele: An allele that expresses its trait only when paired with another recessive allele.

Genetic Interactions

Polygenic Inheritance: Involvement of multiple genes in determining a trait.
Epigenesis: Environmental influences that can activate or repress genes.
Genotype-Environment Interaction: The varying effects of similar environments on genetically distinct individuals.
Genotype-Environment Correlation: How environments can enhance genetic differences.

Types of Environmental Correlations

Passive Correlations: The environment provided by parents supports the development of inherited traits.
Reactive (Evocative) Correlations: Different genetic makeups evoke various responses from others.
Active Correlations: Individuals actively seek environments that align with their genetic tendencies, termed niche-picking.
Nonshared Environmental Effects: Unique environmental influences encountered by each child in a family.

Reproductive Health and Technologies

Infertility: Inability to conceive a child.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Combining eggs and sperm outside the body in a lab setting.

Prenatal Diagnostic Tests

Ultrasound Sonography: High-frequency sound waves create images to detect abnormalities, count fetuses, and determine sex; poses no risk to mother or fetus.
Fetal MRI: Produces detailed images of organs using magnets and radio waves.
Chorionic Villus Sampling: A small placenta sample is analyzed, with a slight risk of limb deformity.
Amniocentesis: Withdrawal and testing of amniotic fluid for chromosomal and metabolic disorders.
Maternal Blood Screening: Identifies pregnancies at higher risk for birth defects.

Germinal Stage of Development

Lasts from fertilization to about 2 weeks of gestational age.
Zygote undergoes mitosis while moving to the fallopian tube.
Cells differentiate to fulfill specialized functions.
The blastocyst develops into a fluid-filled sphere that implants in the uterus around the sixth day after fertilization.

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Description

Test your knowledge on essential genetic terms such as mutation, fertilization, and the roles of autosomes and sex chromosomes. This quiz will help clarify these concepts and their significance in genetics.