Meiosis Terms

• Meiosis: form of cell division by which gametes, with half the number of chromosomes, are produced.
• Meiosis occurs in the gonads
• Spermatogenesis: formation of sperms in testes
• Oogenesis: formation of eggs in ovaries
• Synapsis: when homologous chromosomes that come together to form a tetrad.
• Tetrad: a group of two chromosomes/ four chromatids formed during prophase.
• Homologous Chromosomes: chromosomes that contain the same sequence of genes.
• Crossing Over: exchange of genes between non-sister chromatids, causes genetic recombination.
• Chiasmata (Chiasma): area where chromosomes touch and exchange genes.
• Independent Assortment: occurs when chromosomes separate randomly, causes genetic recombination.
• Diploid: cells that contain two copies of each chromosomes
• Haploid: cells containing half the number of chromosomes.
• Autosomes: chromosomes that don't determine the sex
• Sex Chromosomes: X or Y, chromosomes that determine the sex
• Gametogenesis: the formation of gametes, sperm or eggs
• Spermatogonium: diploid germ cells from which sperm are produced
• Oogonium: diploid germ cells from which eggs are produced
• Zygote: is when an egg and sperm combine
• Karyotype: ordering chromosome pairs by size, from largest to smallest, first 22 are autosomes, last pair are sex chromosomes
• Fertilization: the fusion of a sperm and egg, forms a zygote.