Meiosis

Cards (23)

  • What is the process that forms gametes?
    Meiosis
  • What are gametes sometimes called?
    Sex 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 first step in meiosis?
    To replicate all of the cell's DNA
  • What shape do chromosomes take after DNA replication in meiosis?
    X shape
  • How many different types of chromosomes do humans have?
    23 different types
  • How many copies of each chromosome do humans have?
    Two copies
  • What are maternal chromosomes?
    Chromosomes from the mother
  • What are paternal chromosomes?
    Chromosomes from the father
  • How many individual chromosomes does each human cell have?
    46 individual chromosomes
  • What happens to the chromosomes during the first division of meiosis?
    The chromosome pairs are pulled apart
  • What do male gametes develop into?
    Sperm cells
  • What is the result of the second division in meiosis?
    Four genetically unique cells
  • Why are gametes genetically unique?
    Due to tiny changes during meiosis
  • What do female gametes develop into?
    Egg cells
  • What happens during fertilization?
    A sperm and egg fuse to form a diploid cell
  • What are the main steps of meiosis?
    1. DNA replication
    2. First division: chromosome pairs are pulled apart
    3. Second division: chromatids are pulled apart
    4. Result: four genetically unique gametes
  • What does the diploid cell do after fertilization?
    It divides by mitosis to form an embryo
  • What is the difference between haploid and diploid cells?
    • Haploid cells: contain half the genetic material (e.g., gametes)
    • Diploid cells: contain two sets of genetic material (e.g., zygote)
  • How does meiosis contribute to genetic diversity?
    • Random assortment of chromosomes
    • Crossing over during DNA replication
    • Unique combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes