Biol 117 Chapter 11 – Generating Genetic Diversity

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to sexual reproduction and meiosis, outlining processes that generate genetic diversity.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, leading to the production of haploid gametes.

Gametes

Haploid reproductive cells (sperm and egg) that fuse during fertilization to form a diploid zygote.

Zygote

A fertilized egg cell that is the initial cell formed when a sperm cell and an egg cell unite.

Independent Assortment

The random arrangement of chromosomes during meiosis that results in genetic variation among gametes.

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis, contributing to genetic diversity.

Reduction Division

Meiosis I, where the chromosome number is halved from diploid (2n) to haploid (n).

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome connected by a centromere that separate during cell division.

Aneuploidy

A condition in which an organism has an abnormal number of chromosomes; results from nondisjunction during meiosis.

Synapsis

The pairing of homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis.

Nondisjunction

The failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate properly during cell division, leading to aneuploid gametes.