Meiosis Flashcards
What is meiosis?
A type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes in a parent cell
What are homologous chromosomes?
Matched pairs of chromosomes in a diploid cell, each inherited from one parent
What are sister chromatids?
Identical copies of a chromosome, formed during DNA replication, that remain attached to each other
What is fertilization?
The process where a sperm cell fuses with a egg cell to form a zygote
What is asexual reproduction?
Reproduction where offspring form from one parent and inherit the genes from that parent only
What is sexual reproduction?
Reproduction with two parents where genes are inherited from both parents
What are gametes?
A reproductive cell of an animal or plant
What are somatic cells?
Any body cells that are not involved in reproduction
What is a haploid (n)?
Contains only one set of chromosomes
What is a diploid (2n)?
Cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent
What is a tetrad?
A four-part structure that forms during Prophase I of meiosis that consists of two homologous chromosomes
What is synapsis?
The fusion of chromosomes pairs at the start of meiosis
What is crossing over?
The exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes during meiosis
What is independent assortment?
A principle in genetics stating that when gametes are formed, the alleles of different genes separate independently of one another
What is the order of meiosis?
Meiosis I:
Interphase I
Prophase I
Metaphase I
Anaphase I
Telophase I
Meiosis II:
Prophase II
Metaphase II
Anaphase II
Telophase II
