Meiosis & Genetic Diversity

Question 1

What is genetics?

Answer 1

The study of heredity and hereditary variation

Genetics involves understanding how traits are passed from one generation to the next.

Question 2

Define heredity.

Answer 2

The transmission of traits from one generation to the next

This process involves the passing of genes from parents to offspring.

Question 3

How are traits passed from parents to offspring?

Answer 3

Through genes

Genes are segments of DNA that code for basic units of heredity.

Question 4

Differentiate between asexual and sexual reproduction.

Answer 4

Asexual: single individual, clones,no fusions of gametes; Sexual: two parents, offsprings are unique combinations of genes

Asexual reproduction involves one parent, while sexual reproduction involves genetic contributions from two parents.

Question 5

What are homologous chromosomes?

Answer 5

A pair of chromosomes that carry the same genetic information

One homologous chromosome is inherited from each parent.

Question 6

What is a karyotype?

Answer 6

A display of chromosome pairs ordered by size and length

Karyotypes visualize the number and structure of chromosomes in a cell.

Question 7

What are somatic cells?

Answer 7

Diploid cells that have two complete sets of each chromosome

In humans, somatic cells have a diploid number of 2n = 46.

Question 8

What are gametic cells?

Answer 8

Haploid cells that have one set of each chromosome

In humans, gametic cells (sperm and eggs) have n = 23.

Question 9

What are autosomes?

Answer 9

Chromosomes that do not determine sex

Humans have 22 pairs of autosomes.

Question 10

What are sex chromosomes?

Answer 10

X and Y chromosomes

Eggs carry X chromosomes, while sperm can carry either X or Y.

Question 11

Define the term ‘life cycle.’

Answer 11

Sequence of stages in the reproductive history of an organism

This includes stages from conception to reproduction.

Question 12

What occurs during fertilization?

Answer 12

A sperm cell fuses with an egg cell to form a zygote

This process combines haploid gametes to create a diploid zygote.

Question 13

What is meiosis?

Answer 13

A process that creates haploid gamete cells in sexually reproducing organisms

Meiosis results in daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent.

Question 14

How many rounds of division occur in meiosis?

Answer 14

Two rounds of division: Meiosis I and Meiosis II

Each round involves different processes and outcomes.

Question 15

What is the result of mitosis?

Answer 15

Two diploid daughter cells that are genetically identical

Mitosis occurs in somatic cells.

Question 16

What are the three key events in meiosis that are unique?

Answer 16

Prophase I: synapsis and crossing over; Metaphase I: (Independent orientation)tetrads line up at the metaphase plate; Anaphase I: homologous pairs separate

These events contribute to genetic variation.

Question 17

What happens during Telophase 1 and Cytokinesis 1?

Answer 17

Nuclei and cytoplasm divides, there is now a haploid set of chromosomes in each daughter cell.

Question 18

What happens during crossing over?

Answer 18

DNA is exchanged between homologous chromosomes

This process occurs at the chiasmata during Prophase I.

Question 19

What is independent assortment?

Answer 19

Chromosomes are randomly oriented along the metaphase plate during Metaphase I

This leads to a variety of genetic combinations in gametes.

Question 20

True or False: Meiosis produces genetically identical daughter cells.

Answer 20

False

Meiosis results in genetically unique daughter cells.

Question 21

What is the end result of Telophase II and cytokinesis in meiosis?

Answer 21

Four haploid cells that are genetically unique

Each daughter cell results from the two rounds of meiotic division.

Question 22

How does meiosis lead to genetic variation?

Answer 22

Through crossing over, independent assortment, and random fertilization

These mechanisms ensure diverse genetic combinations in offspring.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: Meiosis followed by _______ ensures genetic diversity.

Answer 23

fertilization

This combination plays a critical role in natural selection.