3. meiosis

Question 1

what is meiosis?

Answer 1

Meiosis is the division of the nucleus that results in the formation of haploid gametes from a diploid gametocyte

Question 2

what happens in diploid cells?

Answer 2

In diploid cells, chromosomes typically appear as homologous pairs

Question 3

meiosis 1 (step 1)

Answer 3

The chromosomes, which have replicated prior to meiosis I, each consist of two genetically identical chromatids attached at the centromere

Question 4

meiosis 1 (step 2)

Answer 4

The chromosomes condense and the homologous chromosomes pair up

Question 5

meiosis 1 (step 3)

Answer 5

Chiasmata form at points of contact between the non-sister chromatids of a homologous pair and sections of DNA are exchanged

Question 6

meiosis 1 (step 5)

Answer 6

Spindle fibres attach to the homologous pairs and line them up at the equator of the spindle

Question 7

meiosis 1 (step 4)

Answer 7

This crossing over of DNA is random and produces genetically different recombinant chromosomes

Question 8

meiosis 1 (6)

Answer 8

The orientation of the pairs of homologous chromosomes at the equator is random

Question 8

meiosis 1 (7)

Answer 8

The chromosomes of each homologous pair are separated and move towards opposite poles

Question 8

meiosis 1 (8)

Answer 8

Cytokinesis occurs and two daughter cells form

Question 9

meiosis 2

Answer 9

Each of the two cells produced in meiosis I undergoes a further division during which the sister chromatids of each chromosome are separated