Meiosis Overview and Chromosomes

The process of nuclear division that halves the number of chromosomes in a cell during sexual reproduction.

Specialized reproductive cells that unite during fertilization to form a new individual. In animals, these are sperm and eggs.

The union of a sperm and an egg cell, restoring the full chromosome number for a new individual.

The number of distinct types of chromosomes present in a species, excluding sex chromosomes.

The number of complete chromosome sets a cell contains. Examples include haploid (n), diploid (2n), and polyploid.

Cells that have two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, with two alleles for each gene.

Cells that have one set of chromosomes and one allele for each gene. These are typically gametes.

A visual representation of the number and types of chromosomes in a species, arranged in order of size and shape.

Chromosomes of the same type, carrying the same genes in the same order. They come in pairs, one from each parent.

A pair of homologous chromosomes, one from each parent, containing the same genes but potentially different alleles.

A segment of DNA that influences one or more hereditary traits. Examples include genes for eye color or height.

Different versions of a specific gene. Examples include alleles for blue eyes or brown eyes.

The process of two homologous non-sister chromatids exchanging segments of DNA during meiosis I.

The points where the two homologous chromosomes remain attached after crossing over, forming a physical link.

The first stage of meiosis, consisting of five phases, where homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material.

The second stage of meiosis, consisting of four phases, where sister chromatids of each chromosome separate and move to opposite poles of the cell.

The process of a diploid parent cell producing two haploid daughter cells, each having one set of chromosomes.

The process of a cell dividing to produce two genetically identical daughter cells, maintaining the same chromosome number.

The random separation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis I, leading to diverse combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes.

The process of combining genetic material from two parents during fertilization, leading to unique offspring.

The production of gametes (eggs or sperm) through a series of developmental stages.

A fertilized egg cell, containing the full chromosome number for a new individual.

The life cycle of an organism, including fertilization, development, and reproduction, illustrating the role of meiosis in producing gametes.

The process of a diploid parent cell producing four haploid daughter cells, each having a unique combination of maternal and paternal chromosomes.

An error in meiosis where both homologs or both sister chromatids move to the same pole of the cell instead of separating.

Cells with an abnormal number of chromosomes, either having an extra chromosome (trisomy) or lacking one (monosomy).

A condition where a chromosome is present in three copies instead of the normal two copies in a diploid cell.

A condition where a chromosome is absent from a diploid cell.

The process of a plant producing offspring from a single parent, without fertilization.

The concept that natural selection eliminates harmful mutations from a population, gradually reducing the advantage of asexual reproduction.

The idea that genetically diverse offspring have a better chance of surviving in a changing environment.