genetics

• Meiosis


  The process that forms gametes (sex cells) with half the genetic material of a normal cell
• Gametes


  Sex cells like sperm and egg cells that contain half the genetic material of a normal cell (haploid)
• Diploid cells


  Cells with two sets of genetic information, one from each parent
• Meiosis


  1. Replication of cell's DNA

  2. Chromosomes line up in pairs

  3. Chromosome pairs pulled apart and cell splits in two

  4. Cell splits in two again resulting in 4 genetically unique cells
• Chromosomes


  • 23 different types, each with two copies (one from each parent)
  • Random distribution of maternal and paternal chromosomes in daughter cells
• Gametes (sperm and egg cells) develop from the 4 genetically unique cells formed by meiosis
• Sperm and egg cell fuse during fertilization

  Form a diploid cell that can divide by mitosis to form an embryo, fetus and fully grown organism