Chapter 9: Sexual Reproduction & Meiosis

These flashcards cover essential terminology related to sexual reproduction and meiosis, aiding in the understanding of key concepts in biology.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction that generates genetically identical offspring, commonly seen in single-celled organisms.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that generates sperm and egg cells, each genetically unique, required for sexual reproduction.

Homologous Chromosomes

A matched set of chromosomes containing the same genes but possibly different alleles, one inherited from each parent.

Diploid Cells

Cells that contain two full sets of chromosomes, one from each parent; human diploid cells have 46 chromosomes.

Gametes

Haploid reproductive cells (sperm and egg) that fuse during fertilization to form a diploid zygote.

Zygote

The first cell of a new organism formed when a sperm and egg cell fuse; diploid with two sets of chromosomes.

Crossing Over

The process during Prophase I of meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, increasing genetic variability.

Random Orientation

The alignment of chromosome pairs during Metaphase I that produces different combinations of chromosomes for gametes.

Nondisjunction

The failure of chromosomes to separate properly during meiosis, potentially resulting in gametes with abnormal chromosome numbers.

Monozygotic Twins

Twins that develop from a single fertilized egg that splits into two embryos, resulting in genetically identical individuals.

Dizygotic Twins

Twins that develop from two separate eggs fertilized by two sperm cells, sharing the same genetic similarities as regular siblings.