Exhaustive Vocabulary and Conceptual Guide for Advanced Genetics

Homologous

Pair of chromosomes that share the same size, shape, and gene arrangement, with one inherited from each parent

Diploid

This describes a cell or organism containing two complete sets of unpaired chromosomes

Haploid

This describes a cell, like a sperm or egg, that contains only a single set of unpaired chromosomes

Meiosis

This is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half to create four genetically diverse haploid gametes

Tetrad

This is a structure formed during meiosis consisting of a pair of homologous chromosomes, which contains a total of four chromatids

Crossing-over