10.3 Meiosis Flashcards
1
Q
What is meiosis?
A
A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes
2
Q
What is fertilization?
A
The process where male and female gametes combine to form a zygote
3
Q
What is a gamete?
A
A haploid reproductive cell, such as sperm or egg
4
Q
Define somatic cell
A
Any cell of a living organism other than the reproductive cells
5
Q
What is a tetrad?
A
A group of four chromatids formed by the pairing of two homologous chromosomes during meiosis
6
Q
Define synapsis
A
The pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis
7
Q
What is independent assortment?
A
The random distribution of homologous chromosomes during meiosis
8
Q
List sources of genetic variation
A
- Crossing over
- Independent assortment
- Random fertilization
