Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to meiosis and genetic variability, essential for understanding sexual reproduction.

Genetic variability

Variation in genetic traits among offspring resulting from sexual reproduction and meiosis.

Crossing over

The process where non-sister chromatids exchange DNA during late prophase, increasing genetic diversity.

Chiasma

The point where two homologous non-sister chromatids exchange genetic material during crossing over.

Tetrad

A pair of homologous chromosomes, each consisting of two sister chromatids, formed during meiosis.

Synapsis

The pairing of homologous chromosomes along their lengths during early prophase I of meiosis.

Independent assortment

The random distribution of homologous chromosome pairs during meiosis, contributing to genetic variation.

Haploid

A cell that has half the number of chromosomes; in humans, this refers to gametes.

Sister chromatids

Two identical copies of a single chromosome that are connected by a centromere.

Meiosis I

The first round of meiosis where homologous chromosomes are separated into two daughter cells.

Meiosis II

The second round of meiosis that separates sister chromatids into four haploid cells.