Meiosis

Question 1

In general, what does meiosis do?

Answer 1

reduces the chromosome number from 2n to n
Meiosis I: reductional 2n to n
Meiosis II: equational n to n

Question 2

Describe the two stages of meiosis

Answer 2

Meiosis I: first cell division, homologous chromosomes separate
Results in two haploid daughter cells with replicated chromosomes, called reductional division
Meiosis II: sister chromatids separate
Results in four haploid daughter cells with unreplicated chromosomes; it is called equational division

Question 3

What three events are unique to meiosis?

Answer 3

Synapsis and crossing over in prophase I: homologous chromosomes physically connect and exchange genetic information
At metaphase plate, there are paired homologous chromosomes (tetrad), instead of individual replicated chromosomes
At anaphase I, it is homologous chromosomes, instead of sister chromatids, that separate

Question 4

What is Mendel’s Law of Segregation?

Answer 4

The two alleles of every gene segregate at meiosis

Question 5

What is Mendel’s Law of Independent Assortment?

Answer 5

Allele pairs of different genes segregate independently