Meiosis and Reproduction Flashcards

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to meiosis and reproduction, providing definitions and explanations for study purposes.

Asexual Reproduction

A type of reproduction that produces genetically identical offspring from a single parent.

Sexual Reproduction

A type of reproduction that combines genetic material from two parents to create variable offspring.

Diploid

A cell or organism that has two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent (2n).

Haploid

A cell that contains a single set of chromosomes (n).

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) that are haploid.

Meiosis

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

Chromosome

A thread-like structure composed of DNA and proteins that contains genetic information.

Crossing Over

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

Independent Assortment

The random distribution of homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Spermatogenesis

The process of male gamete (sperm) formation through meiosis.

Oogenesis

The process of female gamete (egg) formation through meiosis.

Zygote

The fertilized egg that results from the fusion of sperm and egg.

Germline mutation

Mutations that occur in the reproductive cells and can be passed on to offspring.

Ploidy

The number of sets of chromosomes in a cell.

Somatic cells

Body cells that are diploid and contain two sets of chromosomes.

Meiosis I

The first division in meiosis, separating homologous chromosomes.

Meiosis II

The second division in meiosis, separating sister chromatids.

Nondisjunction

The failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate properly during cell division.

Trisomy

A genetic condition where an individual has three copies of a particular chromosome instead of two.

Monosomy

A genetic condition where an individual has only one copy of a particular chromosome instead of two.

Turner Syndrome

A condition resulting from a missing or incomplete X chromosome in females.

Klinefelter Syndrome

A genetic condition in males characterized by an extra X chromosome (47,XXY).

Genetic Variation

The diversity in gene frequencies within a population.

Gametogenesis

The process by which gametes are produced in male and female organisms.

Sister chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome, connected by a centromere.

Centromere

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

Diploid Life Cycle

A life cycle characterized by a dominant diploid phase.

Haploid Life Cycle

A life cycle in which the haploid stage dominates, such as in some plants.

Reciprocal Translocation

A chromosomal rearrangement where segments from two different chromosomes are exchanged.

Binary Fission

A method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

Cloning

The process of creating a genetically identical copy of an organism.

Budding

A form of asexual reproduction where a new organism develops from an outgrowth of a parent.

Vegetative Propagation

A form of asexual reproduction in plants where new individuals are formed from vegetative parts.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within membranes.

Fertilization

The process of fusion between sperm and egg to form a zygote.

Chiasmata

The points where crossing over occurs between homologous chromosomes.

Nuclear Membrane

The double membrane surrounding the nucleus that disassembles during cell division.

Anaphase I

The stage in meiosis where homologous chromosomes are pulled apart to opposite poles.

Telophase II

The stage in meiosis where the chromosomes reach the poles and the nuclei reform in both daughter cells.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells after mitosis or meiosis.

Prophase I

The stage in meiosis where homologous chromosomes pair up and crossing over occurs.