Meiosis

• What is the process that forms gametes?

  Meiosis
• What are gametes also known as?


  Sex cells
• What types of cells are included in gametes?


  Sperm cells and egg cells
• How much genetic material do gametes contain compared to normal cells?


  Half the genetic material
• What do we call cells that contain half the genetic material?

  Haploid cells
• What happens when two gametes combine?


  They form a normal cell
• What do we call the normal cell formed from the combination of two gametes?

  Diploid cell
• What is the total number of chromosomes in a normal human cell?


  46 individual chromosomes
• How many different types of chromosomes do humans have?


  23 different types
• What are the two sets of chromosomes in a human cell derived from?


  One set from the father and one set from the mother
• What do we call the chromosomes from the mother?


  Maternal chromosomes
• What do we call the chromosomes from the father?


  Paternal chromosomes
• What happens to chromosomes during the first step of meiosis?


  They replicate
• What shape do chromosomes take after replication in meiosis?


  X shape
• How do chromosomes line up during meiosis?


  In pairs along the center of the cell
• Why is the left-to-right order of chromosomes during meiosis random?


  Because it varies each time meiosis occurs
• What happens to chromosome pairs during the first division of meiosis?


  They are pulled apart and randomly distributed
• What is the result of the first division in meiosis?


  Two cells with different combinations of chromosomes
• What occurs during the second division of meiosis?


  The two arms of each chromosome are pulled to opposite sides
• How many cells are produced at the end of meiosis?


  Four cells
• Why are gametes genetically unique?


  Due to tiny changes during meiosis
• What do we call the cells produced by meiosis?


  Gametes
• What do male gametes develop into?

  Sperm cells
• What do female gametes develop into?


  Egg cells
• What happens during fertilization?

  A sperm and egg fuse to form a diploid cell
• What can the diploid cell formed during fertilization do?


  Divide by mitosis to form an embryo
• What is the developmental sequence after fertilization?

  Embryo, fetus, fully grown organism
• What are the key steps in the process of meiosis?


  1. DNA replication of chromosomes
  2. Chromosomes line up in pairs
  3. First division: chromosome pairs are pulled apart
  4. Second division: chromosome arms are pulled apart
  5. Result: four genetically unique gametes
• What is the significance of meiosis in sexual reproduction?


  • Produces gametes (sperm and egg cells)
  • Ensures genetic diversity through random distribution
  • Reduces chromosome number by half (haploid)
  • Allows for the formation of diploid cells upon fertilization