Meiosis and Reproduction

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to meiosis, asexual and sexual reproduction, genetic variation, and chromosomal abnormalities.

Asexual Reproduction

The production of genetically identical offspring from a single source of genetic information.

Budding

A type of asexual reproduction where a new organism develops as an outgrowth (bud) from the parent organism.

Fragmentation

A form of asexual reproduction where the parent organism breaks into fragments, each of which develops into a new organism.

Genetic Variation

The diversity in gene frequencies, increased through processes such as crossing over during meiosis.

Meiosis

A process of cell division that produces four haploid gametes that are genetically unique.

Haploid

Cells that contain one copy of each chromosome, denoted as 'n'.

Diploid

Cells that contain two copies of each chromosome, denoted as '2n'.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) that are haploid and combine during fertilization to form a zygote.

Nondisjunction

The failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate properly during meiosis.

Trisomy

A genetic condition where there are three copies of a specific chromosome.

Monosomy

A genetic condition where there is a single copy of a specific chromosome.

Karyotype

A visual representation of an organism's chromosomes.

Fertilization

The process where a male gamete (sperm) fuses with a female gamete (egg) to form a zygote.

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids during meiosis, resulting in genetic recombination.

Aneuploidy

The presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell.

Somatic Cells

Body cells that are diploid, containing two sets of chromosomes.

Recombinant Chromatids

Chromatids that have exchanged genetic material during crossing over, leading to new combinations of genes.

Independent Assortment

The process by which different genes independently separate from one another when reproductive cells develop.