Meiosis and the Genetic Basis of Sexual Reproduction

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to meiosis and the genetic basis of sexual reproduction.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, leading to the production of gametes.

Homologous chromosomes

Pairs of chromosomes that are similar in shape, size, and genetic content.

Alleles

Different versions of the same gene that may exist at a specific locus on a chromosome.

Diploid (2n)

The total number of chromosomes in a somatic cell, consisting of 23 pairs in humans.

Haploid (n)

The number of chromosomes in gametes, which is half of the diploid number, or 23 in humans.

Spermatogenesis

The process of producing sperm cells in male organisms.

Oogenesis

The process of producing egg cells in female organisms.

Crossing-over

A process during prophase I of meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange segments, increasing genetic variability.

Nondisjunction

An error in cell division that results in an unequal distribution of chromosomes, which can lead to conditions like Down syndrome.

Trisomy

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

Monosomy

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

Karyotype

A visual representation of an individual's chromosomes, typically organized in pairs.

Synapsis

The pairing of homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis.

Zygote

The fertilized egg that results from the union of sperm and egg, containing a diploid number of chromosomes.