Biol 103: Introductory Biology I Lecture 9 - Meiosis

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to meiosis and genetic recombination, including definitions and terminology important for understanding the subject matter.

Genetic Recombination

The process by which genetic material is physically mixed during meiosis, resulting in offspring that are genetically unique.

Eukaryotic Organisms

Multicellular organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, where genetic recombination is studied.

Homologous Chromosomes

Pairs of chromosomes that are similar in shape, size, and genetic content, but may have different alleles.

Haploid

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

Diploid

A cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, represented as '2n'.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four non-identical haploid cells.

Crossing Over

A process during prophase I of meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange segments, increasing genetic diversity.

Chiasma

The point of contact between two homologous chromosomes during crossing over, where genetic material is exchanged.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and egg) produced by meiosis that contain half the number of chromosomes.

Mitosis

A process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, maintaining the same chromosome number.

Genetic Variation

Differences in DNA sequences among individuals, which can be beneficial for the evolution of populations.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome connected by a centromere, which are separated during cell division.

Interkinesis

The phase between meiosis I and meiosis II where the cell prepares for the second meiotic division.

Haploid Phase

The stage in the life cycle of an organism characterized by cells containing one set of chromosomes.

Sporophytes

Diploid organisms that produce spores through meiosis, forming the haploid generation in plants.

Gametes Formation in Males

All four nuclei from meiosis form separate sperm cells.

Gametes Formation in Females

Only one nucleus from meiosis becomes a functional egg, while the others form polar bodies.