Meiosis and Gametogenisis Flashcards
What is Meiosis?
Meiosis is the process by which gametes are produced(gametogenesis)
What are homologous chromosomes
Chromosome pairs, similar in structure, that contain the Sam sequence of genes. One copy is paternal and the other is maternal; they come from two parents
What is Oogenesis?
The formation of eggs
What is spermatogenesis?
The formation of sperm
What are gametes
Egg and sperm
What are diploid and haploid cells?
Cells of the body are diploid cells: they have two sets of each chromosome (2n) Egg & Sperm have a haploid nucleus: one set of each chromosome (1n)
Function of Meiosis
Meiosis reduces the diploid number of chromosomes (in humans 46) to the haploid number of chromosomes(23)
Why is Meiosis called a reduction division?
Because a diploid parental cell (immature egg or sperm) divided into four haploid cells (2n>>1n)
How does meiosis work?
One replication of chromosomes Two cell divisions(meiosis I and meiosis II)
What are features of meiosis
Crossing over Independent assortment
What happens during interphase?
Interphase: before meiosis begins The chromosomes replicate to produce two copies of each homologous chromosome. The two copies are called sister chromatids, attached to each other by a centromere
What happens during Meiosis I: early Prophase I?
- Chromosomes condense; become visible 2. Nuclear membrane disappears 3. Centrosomes duplicate; move to opposite poles of cell 4. Spindle fibers start to form
What happens during late prophase I?
- Homologous chromosomes pair up together 2. They are in continuous contact in their lengths 3, while they are in contact they exchange segments of chromosomes (Crossing over)
Describe the process of crossing over
DNA on non-sister chromatids break at corresponding points among their length; DNA on on sister chromatids reattaches; As a result, genes are swapped between non-sister chromatids. (During crossing over, broken ends rejoins at corresponding sites)
What is Chiasma
The point where two different chromatids on homologous chromosomes break and exchange a piece is shaped like a cross
Synonym of crossing over
Recombination: the re-assortment of genes into new combinations
What does crossing over do
It increases the genetic variation by the recombination of genes; It can occur in random places along the chromosome at several different positions, thus it can produce an infinite amount of combinations of genes
What happens during Metaphase I
The homologous pairs line, side by side, at the equator; Spindle fibers attach to centromeres
What is independent assortment
Random orientation of the homologous pairs can occur; each pair may orient with its maternal or paternal homolog closer to a given pole; Thus, which chromosome goes to which pole is completely random
What does independent assortment lead to
It leads to genetic variation, as genes on different chromosomes are re-assorted