Meiosis, Mitosis, and Genetic Processes

These flashcards cover key concepts in meiosis, mitosis, genetic variation, and cellular processes.

What happens during prophase 1 of meiosis?

Chromosomes condense, spindle fibers form, and the nuclear envelope breaks down.

What is independent assortment, and when does it occur?

Independent assortment occurs during metaphase 1 of meiosis when homologous pairs line up randomly at the equator.

What is the outcome of telophase 1 in meiosis?

The nuclear envelope reforms, and cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm into 2 haploid cells.

What occurs during anaphase 2 of meiosis?

Sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles as the centromeres separate.

What is produced at the end of cytokinesis 2 in meiosis?

4 genetically different haploid gametes.

What is crossing over, and when does it occur?

Crossing over is the exchange of sections between homologous chromosomes during prophase 1.

What is the lytic cycle of a virus?

1. Virus attaches to a host. 2. Viruses are synthesized inside the cell. 3. Lysis of the host cell occurs.

What is the difference between the lytic cycle and the latent cycle of a virus?

In the lytic cycle, the virus actively replicates and destroys the host cell, while in the latent cycle, the virus remains dormant but may replicate its nucleic acid.

Describe the process of semi-conservative replication of DNA.

Helicase unwinds the DNA; each strand serves as a template as free nucleotides pair and are joined by DNA polymerase and ligase.

What is transcription, and where does it occur?

Transcription is the synthesis of mRNA from the antisense strand of DNA, occurring in the nucleus.

What steps are involved in translation?

1. mRNA leaves the nucleus. 2. mRNA attaches to the ribosome. 3. tRNA brings amino acids to the ribosome for codon-anticodon pairing.

How does protein synthesis occur after translation?

The polypeptide chain folds into a functional protein, and is transported and modified in the Golgi apparatus before being secreted.

What are the phases of the cell cycle?

The cell cycle includes interphase (G1, S, G2) for cell growth and division, followed by mitosis.

What happens during anaphase of mitosis?

Sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles by spindle fibers.

What is cytokinesis, and what is its result in mitosis?

Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm, resulting in 2 identical diploid daughter cells.