Sexual Reproduction and Meiosis

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to sexual reproduction and meiosis, as outlined in the lecture notes.

Meiosis

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

Fertilization

The process in which an egg and sperm cell fuse to form a zygote.

Diploid

A cell containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Haploid

A cell containing one complete set of chromosomes.

Chromosome

A long strand of DNA with associated proteins that carry genetic information.

Chromatin

The material of which the chromosomes of organisms other than bacteria are composed, consisting of protein, RNA, and DNA.

Sister chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome formed by DNA replication, joined together at the centromere.

Homologous chromosomes

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

Synapsis

The pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Crossing over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during synapsis in meiosis I.

Tetrad

A group of four chromatids formed by the two homologous chromosomes that come together during meiosis.

Centromere

The region of the chromosome where the two sister chromatids are joined.

Zygote

The fertilized egg that is formed from the fusion of an egg and sperm cell.

Down Syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, leading to developmental and intellectual challenges.

Genetic diversity

Variability in genetic makeup among individuals within a population, essential for evolution and adaptation.

Polyploid

Cells that have more than two complete sets of chromosomes, which is usually not viable in animals.