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 the process of 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
  • What are the two copies of chromosomes from each parent called?
    Maternal and paternal chromosomes
  • How many individual chromosomes does each human cell have?
    46 individual chromosomes
  • What happens to chromosome pairs during meiosis?
    They line up along the center of the cell
  • What happens during the second division of meiosis?
    The two arms of each chromosome are pulled to opposite sides
  • Why is the left-to-right order of chromosomes during meiosis random?
    Because it varies each time meiosis occurs
  • What is the result of the first division in meiosis?
    Two cells with different combinations of chromosomes
  • How many cells are produced at the end of meiosis?
    Four cells
  • Why are gametes genetically unique?
    Because of tiny changes during meiosis
  • 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 are the main steps of meiosis?
    1. DNA replication
    2. First division: chromosome pairs line up and separate
    3. Second division: chromosome arms separate
    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 significance of meiosis in sexual reproduction?
    • Produces gametes (sperm and egg cells)
    • Ensures genetic diversity
    • Reduces chromosome number by half