Meiosis, Genetics, and Chromosomal Analysis: Key Concepts

These flashcards cover key concepts related to meiosis, genetics, and chromosomal analysis, helping to reinforce the understanding of these topics for exam preparation.

What is a haploid cell?

A cell containing only one set of chromosomes (n).

What is a diploid cell?

A cell that has chromosomes which come in pairs (2n).

What is crossing over?

The process in which homologous chromosomes exchange portions of their chromatids during meiosis.

What does the Law of Independent Assortment state?

Allele pairs separate from one another during gamete formation.

What is the Law of Segregation of Alleles?

One allele comes from the father and another from the mother, so they must separate during gamete formation/meiosis.

What occurs during Metaphase 1 of Meiosis 1?

Tetrads align at the cell equator.

What happens during Anaphase 1 of Meiosis 1?

Homologous pairs separate and move toward opposite poles of the cell.

What occurs during Metaphase 2 of Meiosis 2?

Duplicated chromosomes align at the cell equator like they are in mitosis.

What happens in Prophase 2 of Meiosis 2?

Chromosomes recondense and DNA was not replicated just prior.

What is the main difference between meiosis and mitosis?

Mitosis ends with 2 identical diploid daughter cells, while meiosis ends with 4 non-identical haploid daughter cells.

What are the similarities between meiosis and mitosis?

Genetic material must be duplicated, chromatin is condensed to form chromosomes, and microtubules divide genetic material.

What is a heterozygous genotype?

A genotype with two different alleles.

Define homozygous recessive genotype.

A genotype with two identical recessive alleles (aa).

Define homozygous dominant genotype.

A genotype with two identical dominant alleles (RR).

What is a phenotype?

An organism's physical appearance or visible traits.

What is the dihybrid cross ratio?

The ratio of 9:3:3:1.

What are possible genotype combinations in gametes of AaBb?

AB, Ab, aB, ab.

What is a test cross?

The crossing of an individual of unknown genotype with a homozygous recessive individual to determine the unknown genotype.

What is a monohybrid cross?

A cross between two individuals concentrating on only one definable trait.

Define a dihybrid cross.

Cross or mating between organisms involving two pairs of contrasting traits.

What is the purpose of karyotype analysis?

To detect chromosomal mutations and metabolic disorders in embryos.

What is a tetrad?

A structure containing 4 chromatids that forms during meiosis.

What is nondisjunction?

In meiosis, the homologous chromosomes do not split evenly.

What does the term 'allele' refer to?

One of two or more versions of a gene.

How are alleles inherited?

Alleles are inherited from both parents, one from each.

Describe the role of microtubules in meiosis.

Microtubules help in the division of genetic material.

What is the outcome of meiosis?

The production of four genetically diverse haploid cells.

Why is genetic diversity important?

It increases the adaptability and survival of a species.