Meiosis and Chromosome Dynamics

A compilation of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to meiosis and chromosome dynamics.

Meiosis

The process of cell division that results in four genetically different cells, each with half the chromosome number of the parent cell.

Diploid

A cell containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent (2n), e.g., 46 chromosomes in humans.

Haploid

A cell containing a single set of unpaired chromosomes (n), e.g., 23 chromosomes in human sex cells.

Chromosomes

Structures within cells that contain DNA and carry genetic information.

Autosomes

The 22 pairs of chromosomes in humans that are not sex chromosomes.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) that are haploid and formed through meiosis.

Fertilization

The fusion of male and female gametes to form a diploid zygote.

Crossing-over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis, leading to genetic variation.

Spermatogenesis

The process of developing male gametes (sperm) in male gonads.

Oogenesis

The process of developing female gametes (eggs) in female gonads.

Aneuploidy

A genetic condition involving an abnormal number of chromosomes, which can result from non-disjunction during meiosis.

Down syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21, also known as trisomy 21.

Polyploidy

A condition in which a cell has more than two complete sets of chromosomes, common in plants.

Homologous chromosomes

Chromosome pairs, one from each parent, that are similar in shape, size, and genetic content.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are joined together.

Chromatid

Each of the two strands into which a chromosome divides during cell division.

Zygote

The fertilized egg formed by the union of a sperm cell and an egg cell.

Meiotic division

The two successive divisions that take place during meiosis, resulting in four haploid cells.

Non-disjunction

The failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate properly during cell division.

Life cycle

The series of stages that an organism goes through from the beginning of one life stage to the beginning of the next.

Genetic variation

Diversity in gene frequencies, which can be introduced through mechanisms like crossing-over during meiosis.