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Meiosis and Gamete Formation in Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What is meiosis?
    Meiosis is a cell division process where the DNA amount is reduced from diploid to haploid, producing gametes with half the adult DNA.
  • What is the main purpose of meiosis?
    To create gametes (sperm and egg) with half the chromosome number and to increase genetic variation through shuffling and crossing over.
  • How many rounds of cell division occur in meiosis?
    Two rounds: Meiosis I separates homologous chromosomes, and Meiosis II separates sister chromatids.
  • What happens during Prophase I of meiosis?
    Chromosomes condense, become X-shaped, and the nucleus begins to disappear. Homologous chromosomes pair up.
  • How do homologous chromosomes line up during Metaphase I?
    Homologous pairs line up at the cell's midline, unlike mitosis where individual chromosomes line up.
  • What separates during Anaphase I?
    Homologous chromosomes are pulled to opposite poles, but sister chromatids remain attached.
  • What is the chromosome state after Telophase I?
    Cells separate with one set of chromosomes each, still in X-shaped (duplicated) form.
  • What occurs during Meiosis II?
    Sister chromatids separate, similar to mitosis, resulting in haploid cells.
  • What is crossing over?
    A process where pieces of DNA are exchanged between homologous chromosomes, increasing genetic variation.
  • What is the chromosome number in gametes?
    Gametes are haploid, containing half the chromosome number of adult diploid cells.
  • What are the characteristics of sperm cells?
    Motile cells with a plasma membrane, flagella, nucleus, and many mitochondria; they carry mostly DNA and little cytoplasm.
  • How does the egg differ from sperm after meiosis?
    Only one of four cells survives as the egg, which is larger and contains most organelles and cytoplasm.
  • Why is mitochondrial DNA important in eggs?
    Mitochondria have their own DNA, which is inherited maternally and can trace maternal lineage.
  • What is apoptosis?
    Apoptosis is programmed cell death, a controlled process to remove cells.
  • How does meiosis contribute to genetic diversity?
    By randomly separating homologous chromosomes and allowing crossing over, meiosis shuffles genetic material.
  • What is the difference between meiosis and mitosis in chromosome separation?
    Meiosis I separates homologous chromosomes; mitosis separates sister chromatids.
  • What happens during Metaphase II?
    Chromosomes line up individually at the cell midline, similar to mitosis.
  • What is the final product of meiosis?
    Four haploid gamete cells, each genetically unique.
  • What is the significance of unequal cytoplasm division in eggs?
    It ensures the egg has enough organelles and nutrients to support early development after fertilization.
  • How does meiosis ensure each gamete gets one copy of each chromosome?
    Through controlled separation of homologous pairs and sister chromatids during two division rounds.