Lecture on Sexual Reproduction and Meiosis

These flashcards cover key concepts about sexual reproduction and meiosis, including definitions of cells, processes, and outcomes related to the topic.

What is meiosis?

Meiosis is a form of cell division that leads to the production of gametes.

What are gametes?

Gametes are egg cells and sperm cells that contain half the number of chromosomes of an adult body cell.

What are somatic cells?

Somatic cells are diploid, containing 2 sets of chromosomes.

How many sets of chromosomes do gametes contain?

Gametes are haploid and contain only 1 set of chromosomes.

What occurs during fertilization?

Two gametes unite to form a zygote.

What is a diploid cell?

A diploid cell contains two sets of chromosomes, represented as 2n.

What is a haploid cell?

A haploid cell contains one set of chromosomes, represented as 1n.

Define homologous chromosomes.

Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes, one from each parent, that have the same structure and genes.

What is a karyotype?

A karyotype is a picture of chromosomes at metaphase.

What is synapsis in meiosis?

Synapsis is the process where homologous chromosomes become closely associated with each other.

What is crossing over?

Crossing over is the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during synapsis.

What is the outcome of meiosis II?

Meiosis II results in four haploid cells at the end.

What is nondisjunction?

Nondisjunction is the failure of chromosomes to move to opposite poles during meiotic divisions.

What are aneuploid gametes?

Aneuploid gametes are gametes with missing or extra chromosomes.

What is the most common cause of spontaneous abortion in humans?

The most common cause is nondisjunction during meiosis.