Unit 9: Meiosis and Menstrual Cycle (honors) Flashcards
meiosis
a kind of cell division which creates eggs and sperm
tetrad
pairs of homologous chromosomes which form in prophase I of meiosis
haploid
cells with only one set of chromosomes (made by meiosis)
diploid
cells with two sets of chromosomes (made by mitosis)
crossing over
when “legs” of the chromosomes touch and cross and swap DNA. Only occurs while chromosomes are in tetrads. Creates greater genetic variation in egg and sperm cells.
How many sperm or egg cells are produced by one round of meiosis?
4 sperm 1 egg (other three cells are not used)
Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis.
Both are types of cell division. Both use the spindle and chromosomes. The have the same phases. Mitosis happens all over the body, but meiosis is only the ovaries or testes. Mitosis produces 2 diploid cells; meiosis produces 4 haploid cells. Mitosis has 1 round of cell division; meiosis has 2. Only meiosis has tetrads.
Follicle
The cell which helps the egg cell develop. Later becomes the corpus luteum. Produces estrogen in the ovary.
estrogen
A hormone released by the follicle in the ovary. Causes the uterine lining to grow. Stimulates the brain to release LH and FSH.
estrogen and progesterone
Hormones produced by the corpus luteum in the ovary. Causes the uterine lining to stay thick. Inhibits the brain.
PMS and menstruation
Caused by a drop off of hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone. The lining of the uterus is shed.
ovulation
When the ovary releases an egg into the Fallopian tube. Caused by high levels of brain hormones (LH and FSH). Happens about half way through a woman’s cycle.
corpus luteum
The left over follicle. Produces estrogen and progesterone in the ovary.
How do a fetus and birth control pills prevent ovulation?
Both release estrogen and progesterone, inhibiting the brain, which does not produce LH or FSH, so ovulation doesn’t occur.
Why do teenager girls have longer and heavier periods than other women?
Teens have higher hormone levels because they are going through puberty. (Those hormones also cause pimples and mood swings.)