Module 5 - Self-Preparation for Biology Assessment Test: Mitosis and Meiosis

Set of practice flashcards covering key concepts from the mitosis and meiosis module described in the notes.

What are the two types of eukaryotic cell division?

Mitosis and meiosis.

According to the Cell Theory, how are new cells produced?

New cells are created by the division of existing cells.

What is the purpose of mitosis in the human body?

To make more of a specific body cell; produces two identical daughter cells.

What is the purpose of meiosis in the human body?

To produce gametes (eggs or sperm) with half the chromosome number.

What is interphase?

Preparations for mitosis or meiosis; includes chromosome replication, sister chromatids, and spindle formation beginning.

What are sister chromatids?

Two copies of a replicated chromosome that remain joined until separation.

What structure forms during late interphase that aids division?

The spindle.

What are the two major events of mitosis?

Equal division of the cell’s chromosomes and division of the cytoplasm.

In mitosis, what is produced by the division of cytoplasm?

Two daughter cells that are identical to each other.

Name the stages of mitosis in order.

Prophase, Prometaphase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase (followed by Cytokinesis).

What happens during Prophase?

Chromosomes condense; nuclear envelope breaks down; spindle forms; centrosomes move to opposite sides.

What happens during Prometaphase?

Nuclear envelope disappears; chromosomes fully condensed; some spindle fibers attach to sister chromatids at the centromere.

What is a centromere?

The region on a chromatid where spindle fibers attach.

What happens in Metaphase?

Chromosomes align in the middle of the cell with help from spindle fibers.

What happens in Anaphase?

Sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles; each chromatid becomes a chromosome.

What happens in Telophase?

Chromosomes de-condense; spindle fibers disassemble; the nuclear envelope reforms.

What is Cytokinesis in animal cells?

The cell membrane pinches in to divide the cytoplasm; two daughter cells are produced identical to each other and to the original.

What is the mitosis mnemonic for the stages?

Pretty People Meet And Talk (Prophase, Prometaphase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase).

What is meiosis?

A cell division that yields haploid gametes through two rounds of division, producing four genetically diverse haploid cells.

What are crossing over and independent assortment?

Crossing over: exchange of DNA between homologous chromosomes; Independent assortment: random orientation of chromosome pairs leading to genetic variation.

When does crossing over occur and what is its effect?

Prophase I; increases genetic variation in gametes.

When does independent assortment occur and what is its effect?

Metaphase I (random alignment of chromosome pairs); increases genetic variation.

What is the haploid number?

n.

What does diploid mean?

Two chromosome sets (2n).

What is the ploidy after Meiosis I?

Haploid (n).

What happens in Meiosis II?

Sister chromatids separate, producing four haploid cells.

How many daughter cells result from meiosis?

Four haploid gametes.

Where does meiosis occur to form gametes?

In ovaries and testes.

How do mitosis and meiosis differ in terms of final cell products?

Mitosis produces identical diploid cells; Meiosis produces haploid gametes with genetic variation.