Sexual Life Cycles and Meiosis

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to meiosis and sexual life cycles.

Karyotype

A display of the complete set of chromosomes within a cell, used to assess chromosomal abnormalities.

Diploid (2n)

A cell that contains two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Haploid (n)

A cell that contains a single set of chromosomes, typically found in gametes.

Tetrads

Structures formed during prophase I of meiosis when replicated homologous chromosomes pair up.

Crossing-over

A process during prophase I of meiosis where non-sister chromatids exchange genetic material.

Independent assortment

The random distribution of homologous chromosomes during meiosis, leading to genetic variation.

Sister chromatids

Two identical copies of a chromosome connected by a centromere.

Homologous pairs

Pairs of chromosomes, one from each parent, that are similar in shape, size, and genetic content.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where two sister chromatids are joined and where spindle fibers attach.

Chiasmata

X-shaped regions where crossing-over occurs between non-sister chromatids during meiosis.

Meiosis II

The second division in meiosis that separates sister chromatids into different cells.

Fertilization

The fusion of sperm and egg gametes to form a zygote.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and egg) that are haploid and unite during fertilization.

Interphase

The phase in the cell cycle where the cell prepares for mitosis or meiosis, including DNA replication.

Zygote

The fertilized egg formed by the union of a sperm and an egg, which is diploid.

DNA replication

The process of duplicating the DNA in preparation for cell division.

Meiosis I

The first division of meiosis that separates homologous chromosomes.

Anaphase I

The stage in meiosis where homologous chromosomes are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase I

The final stage of meiosis I where two new nuclei form around the separated homologous chromosomes.

Cytokinesis

The process that follows mitosis or meiosis and involves the division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two separate cells.