Meiosis Practice Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does the term 'Diploid' refer to?

Fertilized egg

Full set of chromosomes (correct)

1/2 set of chromosomes

Period of the cell cycle between cell divisions

What is the definition of 'Haploid'?

Chromosomes become visible

Fertilized egg

1/2 set of chromosomes (correct)

Full set of chromosomes

What is a Zygote?

Fertilized egg

What occurs during Interphase?

Period of the cell cycle between cell divisions Signup and view all the answers

What happens during Prophase 1?

Chromosomes become visible; nuclear envelope breaks down; crossing-over occurs. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Metaphase 1?

Homologous pairs line up in center; spindle fibers attach to the chromosomes. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during Anaphase 1?

The fibers pull the homologous chromosomes toward opposite ends of the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during Telophase 1?

The spindles break down, chromosomes uncoil and form two nuclei, and the cell divides. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during Prophase 2?

Chromosomes condense, spindles form in each new cell, and spindle fibers attach to chromosomes. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Metaphase 2?

Centromeres of chromosomes line up randomly at the equator of each cell. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during Anaphase 2?

The sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during Telophase 2?

Chromosomes are single stranded, end up with 4 new cells, cells are haploid, genetically different, nucleus does reappear. Signup and view all the answers

What are the Products of meiosis?

Four cells have formed Signup and view all the answers

What does crossing-over refer to?

Process in which homologous chromosomes exchange portions of their chromatids during meiosis. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Definitions

Diploid: Refers to a cell with a full set of chromosomes, typically represented as 2n.
Haploid: A cell containing half the number of chromosomes, represented as n.

Zygote

A fertilized egg formed when a sperm cell joins with an egg cell.

Cell Cycle

Interphase: The phase of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division, encompassing growth and DNA replication.

Meiosis Stages

Prophase 1: Chromosomes become visible, the nuclear envelope disintegrates, and crossing-over occurs, which increases genetic diversity.
Metaphase 1: Homologous pairs of chromosomes align at the cell's equator, with spindle fibers attaching to them.
Anaphase 1: Spindle fibers pull homologous chromosomes towards opposite poles of the cell, leading to their separation.
Telophase 1: The cells' spindles disassemble, chromosomes relax into chromatin, two nuclei form, and the cell divides through cytokinesis.

Second Meiotic Division

Prophase 2: Chromosomes condense again in each of the two new cells, and spindle fibers begin to form.
Metaphase 2: Chromosomes align at the equatorial plane of each cell, centromeres positioning is random.
Anaphase 2: Sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles of the cells.
Telophase 2: Results in four genetically diverse haploid cells with distinct nuclei reappearing after the chromosomes are single stranded.

Final Products

Four New Cells: The outcome of meiosis is four cells, each haploid and genetically different from each other and the parent cell.

Crossing-over

A genetic exchange process that occurs during prophase 1, allowing homologous chromosomes to swap segments of their chromatids, contributing to genetic variation.

Description

Test your knowledge on key terms related to meiosis with these practice flashcards. Each card presents a crucial concept, from diploids to prophase, helping you reinforce your understanding of the cell division process. Perfect for biology students preparing for exams!