Bio Exam 3 - Genetics and DNA

Meiosis

Nuclear division that comes before the formation of gametes (egg & sperm), results in a halving of a chromosome number. This is also accompanied by cytokinesis

Crossing Over

• Produces new combinations of alleles on the same chromosome and also creates new combinations that didn’t exist in each parent

• Is a form of genetic recombination, which combines DNA from each parent, it increases genetic variability of gametes through meiosis

Homologous Chromosomes

Chromosomes that are the same type

Synapsis

The homologous chromosome pairs come together in a pairing process called synapsis

• Creates a structure that is called a tetrad, consisting of two homologous chromosomes

Independent Assortment of Chromosomes

The random alignment and separation of homologous chromosome pairs during meiosis, resulting in gametes with unique combinations