| A | B |
|---|
| autosome | a chromosome that is not a sex chromosome |
| centromere | a region of the chromosome where the two sister chromatids are held together and which is the site of attachment of the chromosome to the spindle fibers during mitosis |
| chromatid | one of two identical parts of a chromosome |
| chromatin | the DNA and proteins in the nucleus of a nondividing cell |
| chromosome | A single piece of coiled DNA and associated proteins found in linear forms in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and circular forms in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells; contains genes that encode traits. |
| deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA | A biological macromolecule that encodes the genetic information for living organisms and is capable of self‐replication and the synthesis of ribonucleic acid (RNA). |
| histone | a protein molecule that DNA wraps around during chromosome formation |
| diploid | a cell that contains both chromosomes of a homologous pair |
| haploid | having only one chromosome of each homologous pair |
| homologous chromosome | one of a pair of morphologically similar chromosomes: they are the same size, same shape and they carry the genes for the same traits |
| nucleus in a eukaryotic cell | the organelle that contains most of the DNA and directs most of the cell's activities |
| karyotype | a picture of an individual's chromosomes |
| sex chromosome | a chromosome that determines whether an organism is male or female |
| binary fission | an asexual cell division of prokaryotes that produces identical offspring |
| cell cycle | The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication. The main phases of the cell cycle are interphase, nuclear division, and cytokinesis |
| mitosis | A nuclear division resulting in the production of two somatic cells having the same genetic complement as the original cell. |
| meiosis | A two‐phase nuclear division that results in the eventual production of gametes with half the normal number of chromosomes. |
| prophase | the first stage of mitosis and meiosis, characterized by condensation of chromosomes |
| metaphase | the second phase of mitosis, during which all the chromosomes move the the cell's equator |
| anaphase | a phase of mitosis and meiosis in which the chromosomes separate |
| telophase | the final stage of mitosis during which a nuclear membrane forms around each set of new chromosomes |
| interphase | The longest‐lasting phase of the cell cycle in which a cell performs the majority of its functions, such as preparing for nuclear division and cytokinesis |
| chromosomal mutation | a change in the structure of a chromosome |
| deletion | the loss of a segment of a chromosome and thus the loss of segment containing genes |
| duplication | a segment of a chromosome is duplicated and thus displayed more than once on the chromosome; |
| inversion | when a segment of a chromosome breaks off and reattaches in reverse order |
| inheritance | The process in which genetic material is passed from parents to their offspring |
| translocation | when a segment of one chromosome breaks off and attaches to a nonhomologous chromosome |
| biotechnology | Any procedure or methodology that uses biological systems or living organisms to develop or modify either products or processes for specific use. |
| gene splicing | A type of gene recombination in which the DNA is intentionally broken and recombined using laboratory techniques |
| gene therapy | The intentional insertion, alteration, or deletion of genes within an individual’s cells and tissues for the purpose of treating a disease. |
| genetic engineering | A technology that includes the process of manipulating or altering the genetic material of a cell resulting in desirable functions or outcomes that would not occur naturally |
| genetically modified organism | An organism whose genetic material has been altered through some genetic engineering technology or technique |
