Meiosis and Its Stages

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to the process and stages of meiosis.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, forming haploid cells from diploid cells.

Haploid

A cell that contains one complete set of chromosomes, typically represented as n.

Diploid

A cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, typically represented as 2n.

Independent Assortment

The process during meiosis where alleles are segregated independently into gametes.

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during Prophase I of meiosis.

Prophase I

The stage in meiosis where homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange segments.

Chiasma

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

Metaphase I

The stage in meiosis where homologous chromosomes line up along the equatorial plane of the cell.

Anaphase I

The stage in meiosis when spindle fibers pull whole chromosomes to opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase I

The stage in meiosis when the nuclear envelope reforms around groups of chromosomes.

Cytokinesis

The process that divides the cytoplasm of a parental cell into two daughter cells.

Prophase II

The stage in meiosis II where chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope breaks down.

Metaphase II

The stage in meiosis II where chromosomes line up in a single file along the equator of the spindle.

Anaphase II

The stage in meiosis II when centromeres divide and individual chromatids are pulled to opposite poles.

Telophase II

The stage in meiosis II where nuclear membranes reform around each group of chromosomes.

Haploid Cells

The end products of meiosis, resulting in four new cells, each with half the original number of chromosomes.