SB3b: Meiosis Keywords

Question 1

Chromosome

Answer 1

A structure found in the nuclei of cells. Each chromosome contains one enormously long DNA molecule packed up with proteins.

Question 2

Daughter cell

Answer 2

A cell produced by another cell that has divided.

Question 3

Diploid

Answer 3

A cell or nucleus that has two sets of chromosomes. In humans, almost all cells except the sperm and egg cells are diploid.

Question 4

DNA

Answer 4

Deoxyribonucleic acid. A polymer made of sugar and phosphate groups joined to bases. One molecule of DNA is found in each chromosome.

Question 5

Egg cell

Answer 5

The female gamete in humans.

Question 6

Fertilisation

Answer 6

Fusing of a male gamete with a female gamete.

Question 7

Gamete

Answer 7

A haploid cell used for sexual reproduction.

Question 8

Gene

Answer 8

Section of the long strand of DNA found in a chromosome, which often contains instructions for a protein.

Question 9

Genome

Answer 9

All the DNA in an organism. Each body cell contains a copy of the genome.

Question 10

Haploid

Answer 10

A cell or nucleus that has one set of chromosomes. Gametes are haploid.

Question 11

Meiosis

Answer 11

A form of cell division in which one parent cell produces four haploid daughter cells.

Question 12

Mitosis

Answer 12

A form of cell division in which one parent cell produces two diploid daughter cells.

Question 13

Polymer

Answer 13

A molecule made out of a chain of repeating similar units (called monomers).

Question 14

Replicate

Answer 14

When DNA replicates it makes a copy of itself.

Question 15

Sperm cell

Answer 15

The male gamete in humans.

Question 16

Zygote

Answer 16

Another term for ‘fertilised egg cell’.