Quiz on Meiosis and Karyotypes

Chromosomes in a typical somatic human cell

46 chromosomes organized into 23 pairs.

Autosomes

Chromosomes other than sex chromosomes; humans have 44 autosomes.

Sex Chromosomes

Determine an individual's sex; humans have XX for females and XY for males.

Diploid cells

Cells that contain pairs of homologous chromosomes (2n); for humans, the diploid number is 46.

Haploid cells

Cells that contain a single set of chromosomes (n); for humans, the haploid number is 23.

Meiosis I

The first division in meiosis resulting in two haploid cells.

Meiosis II

The second division in meiosis, similar to mitosis, resulting in four haploid gametes.

Independent orientation of chromosomes

Chromosome pairs line up randomly in meiosis, contributing to genetic variation.

Crossing over

Exchange of segments between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes during Prophase I.

Random fertilization

Any sperm can fertilize any egg, contributing to genetic variation among offspring.

Nondisjunction

Failure of chromosomes to separate properly during meiosis, leading to gametes with abnormal chromosome numbers.

Karyotyping

A process to visualize chromosomes for detecting abnormalities, such as genetic disorders.

Deletion

Removal of a segment of a chromosome.

Duplication

Copying a segment of a chromosome and inserting it into the homologous chromosome.

Inversion

A segment of a chromosome is removed and reinserted in the opposite orientation.

Reciprocal translocation

Segments of two nonhomologous chromosomes swap locations.