Cell Biology Lecture: Meiosis

These flashcards contain key vocabulary related to meiosis and reproductive biology, as discussed in the lecture notes.

Asexual Reproduction

A mode of reproduction where offspring arise from a single parent, producing individuals genetically identical to that parent.

Sexual Reproduction

A mode of reproduction that combines the genomes of two organisms to produce genetically distinct offspring.

Meiosis

A specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, generating four non-identical haploid cells from one diploid cell.

Diploid

A term referring to cells that contain two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Haploid

A term referring to cells that contain a single set of chromosomes, usually seen in gametes.

Gametes

Haploid reproductive cells (sperm and egg) involved in sexual reproduction.

Fertilization

The fusion of two haploid gametes, resulting in a diploid zygote.

Crossing Over

A process during meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, resulting in genetic variation.

Synapsis

The pairing of homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis.

Chiasma

The point at which paired chromosomes remain in contact during the first metaphase of meiosis, serving as the site of genetic exchange.

Cytokinesis

The process in cell division where the cytoplasm divides, forming two separate daughter cells.

Homologous Chromosomes

Chromosome pairs, one from each parent, that are similar in shape, size, and genetic content.

Somatic Cells

Any cells forming the body of an organism, excluding germ line cells.