The Cell Cycle, Mitosis, Meiosis (Questions) Flashcards
What are the two types of cells based on chromosome content?
The two types of cells are Gametes (haploid, n) and Somatic Cells (diploid, 2n).
What is the chromosome count in gametes?
Gametes contain 23 different chromosomes (haploid, n), which includes ova and sperm.
What are alleles?
Alleles are different versions of a gene that code for proteins that produce alternate versions of a trait.
What are somatic cells?
Somatic cells include all cells of the body except those undergoing or resulting from meiosis, containing 46 chromosomes (diploid, 2n).
What happens during Prophase in mitosis?
Chromosomes condense, nucleoli disappear, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle microtubules attach to kinetochores.
Define homologous chromosomes.
Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes (one from each parent) that are similar in length, centromere position, and have genes for the same trait at the same location.
What occurs during the G1 phase of Interphase?
In the G1 phase, the cell grows, metabolizes, and begins centrosome replication.
What is the cell cycle?
The cell cycle consists of the process through which a diploid somatic cell (2n) divides to produce two genetically identical diploid cells (2n).
What are the two main stages of the cell cycle?
The two main stages of the cell cycle are Interphase and the Mitotic (M) phase.
What happens in the S phase of Interphase?
During the S phase, chromosomes replicate, forming sister chromatids that remain attached at the centromere.
What is the purpose of the G2 phase?
The G2 phase involves further growth, metabolism, and production of proteins needed for cell division.
Describe the process of mitosis.
Mitosis involves the division of nuclear material (chromosomes) and has four phases: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.
How do chromosomes align during Metaphase?
During Metaphase, 46 replicated chromosomes line up along the cell equator.
What occurs in Anaphase?
In Anaphase, spindle microtubules shorten, separating sister chromatids and pulling them towards opposite poles of the cell.
What is the outcome of Telophase?
Chromosomes uncoil, nucleoli and the nuclear envelope reappear, and cytokinesis completes.
What is meiosis?
Meiosis is a reproductive nuclear division that produces gametes (ovum and sperm), resulting in four genetically unique haploid cells (n) from one diploid cell (2n).
What occurs during Anaphase I of meiosis?
Tetrads separate and migrate to opposite poles, with sister chromatids remaining attached.
What is the significance of Prophase I in meiosis?
In Prophase I, homologous chromosomes attach together to form tetrads, allowing for genetic recombination.
Describe Meiosis II.
Meiosis II resembles mitosis but starts with 23 chromosomes instead of 46, leading to the separation of sister chromatids.
Why is meiosis important?
Meiosis is essential for reducing diploid germ cells to haploid gametes, allowing for the combination of genetic material during fertilization to form a zygote (2n).
