Questions and Answers
How do homologous chromosomes differ from sister chromatids?
Homologous chromosomes are the two chromosomes that make a chromosomal pair, each derived from a different parent, and may carry different alleles. Sister chromatids are exact duplicates of the homologous chromosomes that arise during mitosis.
Explain why an egg is so much larger than a sperm cell.
An egg is larger than a sperm because it needs to accommodate the sperm and contains fats and nutrients to feed the zygote in case of pregnancy.
If, during metaphase 1, all 23 maternal chromosomes lined up on one side of the cell, genetic diversity would increase.
False
List the key differences between meiosis I and meiosis II.
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Describe how the steps of meiosis I differ from those of mitosis.
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Study Notes
Homologous Chromosomes vs. Sister Chromatids
- Homologous chromosomes consist of one chromosome from each parent, forming a pair that may carry different alleles.
- Sister chromatids are identical duplicates produced during DNA replication before mitosis.
- Homologous pairs contribute to genetic diversity, while sister chromatids do not during cell division.
Size Difference Between Egg and Sperm
- The egg cell is larger than the sperm cell to accommodate the sperm's entry during fertilization.
- Eggs store fats and nutrients to sustain the zygote during early development.
Genetic Diversity in Metaphase I
- Genetic diversity is increased through crossing over during metaphase I of meiosis.
- If all maternal chromosomes align on one side without pairing with homologs, no crossing over occurs, leading to reduced genetic diversity.
Differences Between Meiosis I and Meiosis II
- Meiosis I separates homologous chromosomes, reducing chromosome number by half.
- Meiosis II is similar to mitosis, separating sister chromatids without reducing chromosome number.
Comparison of Meiosis I and Mitosis
- In Meiosis I, crossing over occurs, enhancing genetic variation; mitosis does not involve crossing over.
- Centromeres remain intact during anaphase I of meiosis, while they split during anaphase of mitosis.
- Meiosis II replicates the processes of mitosis, separating sister chromatids.
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Description
This quiz explores key concepts related to homologous chromosomes, sister chromatids, and the differences between meiosis I and II. Understand how these processes contribute to genetic diversity and the differences in size between egg and sperm cells. Dive into the fascinating details of cell division and reproduction.
