Chromosomes and Cellular Respiration : Cell Cycle, Mitosis, Meiosis, and Independent assortment

What are the two main types of cells?

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

What is the diploid number for adult male and female cells?

2n (diploid).

What are germ-line cells?

Cells that give rise to gametes (sperm and egg).

What is the haploid number for human gametes?

n (haploid).

What is the process of fertilization?

The fusion of sperm and egg to form a zygote (diploid 2n).

What is a karyotype?

A visual representation of an individual's chromosomes.

What is the role of the synaptonemal complex during meiosis?

It joins homologous chromosomes along their length during Prophase I.

What is crossing over in meiosis?

The exchange of DNA pieces between homologous chromosomes.

What are chiasmata?

The attachment points where homologous chromosomes exchange DNA during crossing over.

What is the Law of Segregation?

The two alleles for each gene separate during gamete formation.

What is the Law of Independent Assortment?

Alleles of genes on nonhomologous chromosomes assort independently during gamete formation.

What occurs during Metaphase I of meiosis?

Homologous chromosomes align at the equatorial plane of the cell.

What happens during Anaphase I of meiosis?

Homologous chromosomes are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, while meiosis results in four genetically diverse gametes.

What is the significance of meiosis in sexual reproduction?

It produces gametes with half the chromosome number, allowing for genetic diversity.

What is the structure of a chromosome?

A chromosome consists of two sister chromatids joined at a centromere.

What is interphase in the eukaryotic cell cycle?

The phase where the cell prepares for division, including DNA replication.

What is the outcome of meiosis I?

Two haploid cells are formed, each with half the number of chromosomes.

What is the outcome of meiosis II?

Four haploid gametes are produced from the two haploid cells formed in meiosis I.

What is the role of somatic cells?

Somatic cells are all body cells except germ-line cells; they are diploid (2n).

How do male and female gametes differ in size?

Female gametes (eggs) are larger than male gametes (sperm).