Process of Meiosis and Cell Types

Vocabulary flashcards based on the Grade 9 Biology lecture notes regarding somatic cells, gametes, and the initial stages of meiosis.

Somatic cell

Every single cell except the cells that undergo meiosis.

Sex cells

Cells also known as gametes that contain only half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Diploid cell

Non-sex cells, symbolized by $2n$.

$$2n$$

The symbol used to represent a diploid cell.

Sperm

The name for male gametes.

Ova

Female gametes, also called eggs or singular: ovum.

Zygote

The result of the combination of sperm and ova.

Meiosis I

The phase of meiosis that produces diversity through the genetic recombination of chromosome pairs.

Chromatids

Two identical copies of a chromosome joined at the centromere, copied during late Interphase I.

Centromere

The point at which two identical chromatids are joined together.

Spindle apparatus

Fibres that form around chromosomes during Prophase I.

Genetic recombination

The process involving chromosome pairs in Meiosis I that results in genetic diversity.