Sexual Reproduction and Meiosis

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to sexual reproduction and meiosis.

Spindle fibers

Protein structures that help pull apart chromosomes during cell division.

Fertilization

The process where an egg and sperm join to form a zygote.

Zygote

The cell that forms when an egg and sperm fuse during fertilization.

Diploid cells

Cells that contain two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Haploid cells

Cells that contain only one complete set of chromosomes, such as gametes.

Chromosomes

Long strands of DNA that contain genetic information.

Chromatin

The material that makes up chromosomes, consisting of DNA and histone proteins.

Homologous chromosomes

Pairs of chromosomes that have the same genes but may have different alleles.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four haploid gametes.

Sister chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome that are created during DNA replication.

Crossing over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Interphase

The stage of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division, consisting of G1, S, and G2 phases.

G1

The cell grows and carries normal functions

S

The phase of interphase where DNA is replicated, resulting in two copies of each chromosome.

G2

Further growth and preparation for cell division

Prophase I

The first stage of meiosis I where chromosomes condense and homologous chromosomes pair up.(crossing over pccurs)

Metaphase I

The stage of meiosis I where homologous chromosomes align at the equator of the cell.

Anaphase I

The stage of meiosis I where homologous chromosomes are separated and pulled to opposite poles.

Telophase I

The stage of meiosis I where chromosomes reach the poles and the cell divides into two daughter cells.

Meiosis II

Each of the 2 haploid daughter cells from miosis I undergo a 2nd division, forming 4 haploid gametes

Prophase II

Chromosomes are re condense in the 2 haploid cells, A new spindle apparatus form$ in each of the 2 haploid daughter cells

Metaphase II

chromosomes align at the equator(metaphase plate) in each of the 2 haploid daughter cell

Anaphase II

Sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles in each haploid daughter cell.

Telophase II

Chromatids reach the poles, and the 2 cells divide, resulting in 4 haploid daughter cells

Genetic diversity

Variations in genetic characteristics within a population, crucial for evolution.

Polyploid cells

Cells that have more than two complete sets of chromosomes.

Down Syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.

Locus

The specific location of a gene on a chromosome.