Genetic Diversity and Meiosis

These flashcards cover key concepts related to genetic diversity, meiosis, and the contributions of geneticists in understanding these processes.

Pardis Sabeti

A geneticist at Harvard University known for studying infectious diseases and their DNA.

Meiosis

A nuclear division process that precedes the formation of gametes, resulting in a halving of chromosome number.

Haploid

The term for a cell that contains one set of chromosomes, represented as 'n'.

Diploid

The term for a cell that contains two sets of chromosomes, represented as '2n'.

Homologous chromosomes

Chromosomes of the same type that carry the same genes but may contain different alleles.

Alleles

Different versions of a specific gene.

Crossover

The process where chromosomal segments are swapped between adjacent homologs during meiosis.

Independent assortment

The random separation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis I, resulting in genetic variation.

Outcrossing

The process of combining gametes from different individuals, increasing genetic diversity in offspring.

Chiasma

The point where two homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material during crossing over.