Meiosis and Gametogenesis

Set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to meiosis, fertilization, and gametogenesis.

Meiosis

The form of cell division by which gametes, with half the number of chromosomes, are produced.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm or egg) that have half the number of chromosomes.

Fertilization

The fusion of a sperm and egg to form a zygote.

Zygote

A fertilized egg with a diploid number of chromosomes (2n=46 in humans).

Spermatogenesis

The process by which male gametes (sperm) are produced in the testes through meiosis.

Oogenesis

The process by which female gametes (eggs) are produced in the ovaries through meiosis.

Homologous Chromosomes

Pairs of chromosomes (one from each parent) that are similar in shape and size and carry the same genes.

Karyotype

A method of organizing the chromosomes of a cell in relation to number, size, and type.

Crossing Over

A process during meiosis in which segments of nonsister chromatids break and reattach to the other chromatid, creating genetic variation.

Independent Assortment

The random orientation of homologous chromosome pairs during metaphase I of meiosis, contributing to genetic diversity.