Meiosis Flashcards
Where in the body does meiosis occur?
The reproductive organs (ovaries and testes)
What type of cells does meiosis make?
Gametes (sperm or egg cells)
What is meant by the term haploid?
Contains one copy of each chromosome-gametes are haploid cells
How many division occur during meiosis?
2
How many daughter cells form during meiosis?
4
Are the daughter cells genetically identical to the parent cell like in mitosis?
No all gametes are genetically unique and are haploid whereas the parent cell was diploid.
What processes happen during meiosis which forms genetically unique daughter cells?
Crossing over and independent assortment/segregation
What us meant by crossing over
When homologous chromosomes pair up, the twist around each other and swap sections of DNA. This creates new chromosomes with new combinations of alleles.
What is meant by independent assortment/segregation?
When the chromosomes are sorted into the daughter cells each one gets a random mixture of maternal and paternal chromosomes.
what are homologous chromosomes?
Chromosomes that have the same genes (for the same characteristics) at the same loci (location on the chromosome).
why do homologous chromosomes pair up during meiosis 1?
So that each daughter cell gets one copy of each chromosome e.g. the maternal one or the paternal one.
what is the product of meiosis?
4, genetically unique, haploid cells.
