6.1 Reproduction (Combined) Flashcards
What is sexual reproduction?
A type of reproduction involving the production of gametes by meiosis. A gamete from each parent fuses to form a zygote. Genetic information from each gamete is mixed so the resulting zygote is unique.
What are gametes?
● Sex cells (sperm
and egg cells in animals, pollen and
egg cells in flowering plants)
● Haploid (half the
number of chromosomes)
What is meiosis?
● Form of cell
division involved in the formation of gametes (non- identical haploid cells) in reproductive organs
● Chromosome number is halved
● Involves two divisions
What must occur prior to meiosis?
Interphase - copies of genetic information are made during this process
What happens during the first stage of meiosis?
- Chromosome pairs line up along the cell equator
- The pair of chromosomes are separated and move to opposite poles of the cell (the side to which each chromosome is pulled in random, creating variation).
- Chromosome number is halved
What happens during the second phase of meiosis?
- Chromosomes line up along the cell equator
- The chromatids are separated and move to opposite poles of the cell
- Four unique haploid gametes are produced
Why is meiosis important for sexual reproduction? (2)
● It increases genetic variation
● It ensures that the zygote formed at fertilisation is diploid
Describe fertilisation and its resulting outcome
Gametes join together to restore the normal number of chromosomes and the new cell then divides by mitosis (which increases the number of cells).
As the embryo develops, cells differentiate.
Describe the circumstances in which malarial parasites reproduce sexually and asexually
Sexual reproduction occurs in the mosquito whilst asexual reproduction occurs in the human host
Describe the circumstances in which fungi reproduce sexually and asexually
Asexual reproduction is by the spores. Sexual reproduction to give variation.
Describe the circumstances in which plants reproduce sexually any sexually
Sexual reproduction to produce seeds. Asexual reproduction by runners (e.g. strawberry plants or bulb division e.g. daffodils)
What is DNA?
A double-stranded polymer of nucleotides round to form a double helix. It is the genetic material of a cell which is found in its nucleus.
Define genome
The entire genetic material of an organism
Why is understanding the human genome important?
The whole human genome has been studied and is important for the development of medicine in the future
● Searching for
genes linked to
different types of
disease
● Understanding and treating inherited disorders
● Tracing human
migration patterns from the past
What is a chromosome?
A long, coiled molecule of DNA that carries genetic information in the form of genes.
How many chromosomes do human body cells have?
46 chromosomes (23 pairs)
How many chromosomes do human gametes have?
23 chromosomes