Unit 4 Flashcards
What two processes must sexual reproduction include?
Meiosis and fusion of gametes.
Define fertilization.
Fusion of male and female gametes.
What does meiosis create?
Gamete cells, which are haploids that combine to form a diploid with distinct genetic information from both parents.
What is a diploid?
A cell with two copies of most genes.
What is the nature of gametes in many types of fungi?
The gametes that fuse are nearly identical.
Define anisogamous.
Different male and female gametes.
Which organisms are anisogamous?
All plants and animals.
What regulates the menstrual cycle?
Uterine and ovarian cycles.
When does the menstrual cycle begin and end?
Begins at puberty and ends at menopause or due to ill-health
What happens in the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle?
A group of follicles develop in the ovary; the most developed follicle breaks open around day 14 (ovulation), and other follicles degenerate.
What happens in the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle?
The wall of the follicle that released the egg develops into a corpus luteum, which breaks down if fertilization does not occur, and the cycle repeats.
What happens during the luteal phase of the uterine cycle?
The endometrium becomes thicker in preparation for embryo implantation
What happens if no implantation occurs in the uterine cycle?
The endometrium sheds during menstruation (referred to as a “period”).
When does the “period” set day 1 of the menstrual cycle?
Usually lasts 4-7 days.
Which hormones are produced by the pituitary gland?
FSH, LH, ADH, oxytocin, prolactin
Which hormones are produced by the ovaries?
Oestradiol and progesterone.
Role of FSH?
Stimulates release of oestradiol and development of follicles.
Role of Oestradiol?
Stimulates thickening of the endometrium and boosts FSH, leading to a positive feedback loop until it stimulates LH production and inhibits FSH production.
Role of LH?
Peaks at the end of the follicular phase, stimulates meiosis completion, ovulation, and development of the corpus luteum.
Role of Progesterone?
Encourages thickening and maintenance of the endometrium, inhibits FSH and LH secretion.
What forms a zygote?
Sperm and egg combining.
How do sperm find the egg?
Chemical signals released by the egg are detected by the sperm.
What is the zona pellucida?
Protective glycoproteins around the egg.
What happens immediately after fertilization?
The egg hardens the zona pellucida to ensure a diploid zygote with no more than two sets of chromosomes.