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Inheritance & Traits
NYS Biology Regents (NYSSLS)
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Mitosis | The process of cellular division that allows organisms to grow. Mitosis produces two identical daughter cells from one parent cell, enabling multicellular organisms to increase in size. |
| Cell Division | The process by which one cell divides to form two daughter cells. Cell division is essential for growth, repair, and reproduction in all living organisms. |
| Cell Differentiation | The process by which cells become specialized for specific functions. Cell differentiation transforms identical stem cells into diverse cell types like muscle cells, nerve cells, and blood cells. |
| Daughter Cells | The two cells produced when a parent cell divides by mitosis. Daughter cells inherit identical genetic material from their parent cell during normal cell division. |
| Genetic Material | DNA and chromosomes that carry hereditary information. Genetic material passes traits from parents to offspring and controls cellular activities throughout life. |
| Chromosome Pair | Two variants of each chromosome that cells contain. Chromosome pairs allow organisms to have backup copies of genetic information and create genetic diversity. |
| Cancer | A condition that can result from abnormal cell division. Cancer develops when cells lose normal growth controls and divide uncontrollably, forming tumors. |
| Stem Cells | Cells that can differentiate into various specialized cell types. Stem cells serve as a repair system for the body, potentially replacing damaged or worn-out tissues. |
| Fertilized Egg | A single cell that begins the development of a multicellular organism. The fertilized egg contains genetic instructions from both parents that guide development of the entire organism. |
| Reproductive Systems | Body systems that produce gametes and enable reproduction. Reproductive systems ensure the continuation of species by creating sex cells and supporting offspring development. |
| Gametes | Reproductive cells (sperm and egg cells). Gametes carry only half the genetic information of regular cells, so offspring receive genes from both parents. |
| Ovaries | Female reproductive organs that produce egg cells. Ovaries release mature eggs during ovulation and produce hormones that regulate reproductive cycles. |
| Testes | Male reproductive organs that produce sperm cells. Testes continuously produce millions of sperm cells and male hormones throughout adult life. |
| Internal Fertilization | The process where sperm and egg unite inside the female body. Internal fertilization protects the developing embryo and increases the chances of successful reproduction. |
| Embryo | An early stage of development after fertilization. The embryo undergoes rapid cell division and differentiation to form basic body structures. |
| Fetus | A later stage of prenatal development. The fetus continues growing and developing specialized organs until ready for birth. |
| Uterus | The female reproductive organ where embryo and fetal development occurs. The uterus provides a protected environment with nutrients and oxygen for the developing offspring. |
| Placenta | The organ that provides essential materials to the developing fetus. The placenta connects the mother's blood supply to the fetus, allowing exchange of nutrients and waste products. |
| Gene Expression | The process by which genetic information is used to create proteins and traits. Gene expression can be influenced by environmental factors, allowing organisms to adapt to changing conditions. |
| Human Development | The predictable pattern of growth and change from birth through aging. Human development follows stages that include infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. |
| Chromosomes | Structures made of DNA that carry genetic information. Chromosomes become visible during cell division when DNA condenses into compact, rod-like structures. |
| Coding Regions | Parts of DNA that contain instructions for making proteins. Coding regions represent only a small percentage of total DNA but contain the blueprints for all cellular proteins. |
| Non-coding Regions | Parts of DNA that do not code for proteins but may have regulatory or structural functions. Non-coding regions help control when and how genes are expressed in different cell types. |
| Gene Regulation | The control of when and how genes are expressed in cells. Gene regulation allows the same DNA to produce different cell types by turning specific genes on or off. |
| Characteristic Traits | Observable features or behaviors that are passed from parents to offspring. Characteristic traits like eye color and height result from the interaction of genetic factors and environmental influences. |
| Inherited Traits | Characteristics passed from parents to offspring through genetic material. Inherited traits follow predictable patterns that can be studied using statistical analysis and probability. |
| Statistics | Mathematical methods used to analyze and interpret data about trait variation. Statistics help scientists understand how traits are distributed in populations and predict inheritance patterns. |
| Probability | The likelihood that a particular event or outcome will occur. Probability calculations help predict the chances of offspring inheriting specific combinations of traits. |
| Environmental Factors | Non-genetic influences that can affect how traits are expressed. Environmental factors like nutrition and exercise can influence how genetic potential is realized in organisms. |
| Population | A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area. Population studies reveal how traits vary among individuals and change over time. |
| Trait Distribution | How frequently different versions of a trait appear in a population. Trait distribution often follows predictable statistical patterns that reflect underlying genetic mechanisms. |
| Genetic Factors | Influences on traits that come from an organism's DNA. Genetic factors interact with environmental conditions to determine an organism's final characteristics. |