Cell Division - Meiosis Flashcards
Somatic cell
Diploid cell containing homologous chromosomes, making up the human body
Sex cell
Refers to either the male or female gamete that is involved in fertalisation to produce a zygote
Autosomes
All chromosomes besides the sex chromosomes
Gonosome
Sex chromosomes, XY chromosomes
Haploid
Having just one set of chromosomes i.e. the chromosomes are unpaired
Diploid
Having a double set of chromosomes i.e. the chromosomes are paired
Gametogenesis
The process by which gamete are produced from the germinal epithelium of the sex organs; it includes the process by which sports are produced(spermatogenesis) as well as the process by which eggs are produced(oogenesis)
Homologous
Having similarity of structure and/or relative position because they arose by adaptive radiation from a common ancestor; also refers to identical chromosomes one of the maternal origin and the other from the paternal origin
Chromosome
String-like structure found in the nucleus of dividing cells; formed from the chromatin network; contains the hereditary material DNA
Chromatid
Half a chromosome; the two halves are held together by a centromere; these two halve have actually been formed from one chromosome by DNA replication
Centromere
Structure that holds two chromatids of a chromosome together after DNA replication
Centrosome
Structure in an animal cell that forms spindle threads during cell division
Centrioles
Structures resulting from the splitting of the chromosome to form spindle threads during cell division
Spindle threads
Structures that form between the centeioles during cell division for the attachment of chromium
Crossing-over
A process that takes place in the first prophase of meiosis, involving the exchange of genetic material between members of each homologous pair of chromosomes
Interphase
The stage in mitosis and meiosis during which DNA replication takes place; since most of the cell’s life is spent in this stage, it was originally thought to be a resting stage that occurred between mitotic or meiotic divisions