Lyba Meiosis Quiz

Asexual reproduction

reproduction without the involvement of gametes or a partner, produces genetically identical offspring (clones)

Sexual reproduction

a complex process where genetic information from two parents combines to create a genetically distinct, new organism with a unique combination of traits, involves gametes.

somatic cells

any biological cells that can form a body of a multicellular organism, excluding sperm and egg cells

reproductive cells

sperm and egg cells, specialized cells that combine during fertilization to form a new organism

gametes

a mature haploid male or female germ cell which is able to unite with another of the opposite sex in sexual reproduction to form a zygote.

parent/daughter cell

original cell that divides to form two or more new cells

zygote

the single cell created when a sperm and an egg fuse during fertilization, forming the first genetically unique individual of a new organism

fertilization

the union of a male sperm and a female egg (ovum) to create a zygote, the first cell of a new individual, and it initiates pregnancy and the development of an embryo

haploid

has a single set of unpaired chromosomes

diploid

two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

synapsis

the fusion of chromosome pairs at the start of meiosis.

homologous

pairing at meiosis and having the same structural features and pattern of genes.

genetic variation

the diversity of DNA sequences within a population, leading to differences in inherited traits

chromosomes

a thread-like structure made of DNA and proteins (like histones) found in the nucleus of cells that carries genetic information in the form of genes.

sister chromatids

two identical strands of a replicated chromosome, joined by a common centromere

chromatin

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

centromere

a specialized region on a chromosome that serves as the attachment point for spindle fibers during cell division, ensuring that genetic material is accurately divided between daughter cells

centrosomes

an organelle that serves as the main microtubule organizing centre (MTOC) of the animal cell

spindle fibres

protein structure that separates chromosomes during cell division

nucelus

a dense organelle present in most eukaryotic cells, typically a single rounded structure bounded by a double membrane, containing the genetic material.

cytokinesis

the cytoplasmic division of a cell at the end of mitosis or meiosis, bringing about the separation into two daughter cells.

oogenesis

the biological process of producing the ovum (egg cell) in females, beginning before birth and continuing through puberty and the reproductive years.

spermatogenesis

process of sperm cell development

egg

a single biological cell with a protective outer covering that can develop into a new individual

sperm

male reproductive cells responsible for carrying genetic material and fertilizing a female egg to start a new pregnancy

karyotype

an individual's complete set of chromosomes, visually represented in a laboratory as an image of a cell's chromosomes arranged in order by size and shape

mitosis

the process of cell division in eukaryotic cells that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell

meiosis

special type of cell division of germ cells in sexually-reproducing organisms that produces the gametes, the sperm or egg cells. It involves two rounds of division that ultimately result in four cells, each with only one copy of each chromosome.

polar body

a small haploid cell that is formed at the same time as an egg cell during oogenesis, but generally does not have the ability to be fertilized.

viability

ability to survive or live successfully.

fraternal twins

develop from two separate eggs fertilized by two different sperm during the same pregnancy

identical twins

develop from a single fertilized egg that splits into two, resulting in two embryos with the same genetic material

Prophase I

starting cell is diploid (2n=4), homologous chromsomes pair up and exchange fragments (crossing over)

Metaphase I

homologue pairs line up at the metaphase plate

Anaphase I

homologues separate to opposite ends of the cell, sister chromatids stay together

Telophase I

newly forming cells are haploid (n=2), each chromosome has two (non-identical) sister chromatids

Prophase II

starting cells are the haploid cells made in meiosis I, chromosomes condense

Metaphase II

chromosomes line up at metaphase plate

Anaphase II

sister chromatids separate to opposite ends of the cell

Telophase II

newly forming gametes are haploid, each chromosome has just one chromatid