Chapter 11: Meiosis and Reproduction Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering cellular processes, genetic variation, and reproduction concepts from Chapter 11.

Asexual Reproduction

A mode of reproduction where offspring are produced from one organism, generating offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.

Sexual Reproduction

A mode of reproduction in which genetic material from two individuals is mixed to produce new combinations of genetically unique offspring.

Gametes

Reproductive cells, such as sperm and egg, that are haploid ($n$).

Haploid

Refers to a cell that has one copy of each chromosome, representing half of the genetic information needed.

Zygote

The diploid cell that results from the fusion of two haploid gametes during fertilization.

Meiosis

A nuclear division mechanism that halves the chromosome number from the parental chromosome number, resulting in four genetically distinct haploid cells.

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes during prophase I, which shuffles alleles and produces novel trait combinations.

Independent Assortment

The random arrangement and assortment of homologous chromosomes at the end of metaphase I that provides genetic variation in daughter cells.

Allele

A different form of the same gene that arises by mutation and encodes a slightly different gene product.

Homozygous

Having inherited identical copies of a gene/allele from both parents (represented as $AA$ or $aa$).

Heterozygous

Having inherited different copies/alleles of a gene from each parent (represented as $Aa$).

Red Queen Hypothesis

The hypothesis stating that species must constantly evolve to avoid extinction due to coevolutionary pressures with other organisms.

Fitness

The capacity of some members of a species to produce more reproductively viable offspring relative to others within the species.

Life Cycles

The sequences of events in the development of an organism and the production of cells that produce offspring.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells that have not yet determined what specific type of cell they will become.

Adult Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells that are restricted to becoming one of several specific options within a particular line of cell types.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells that are completely free to choose from different cell lineages to become cells of any type.

Differentiation

The process through which unspecialized cells become specialized in structure and function for their specific role.