Match the terms below with their corresponding definitions.


1. _________Mitosis
2. _________Meiosis
3. _________Homologous chromosomes
4. _________Crossing over
5. _________Cytokinesis


A. Cytoplasmic division
B. Diploid nuclei producing haploid nuclei
C. Results in genetic variation
D. Carry similar genes
E. Diploid nuclei producing diploid nuclei

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definitions provided for each term. Mitosis and meiosis are processes of cell division, homologous chromosomes are related to genetic material, crossing over is a genetic process, and cytokinesis involves cell division.
2. Step 2: Match 'Mitosis' with its definition. Mitosis is a process where a diploid nucleus divides to produce two diploid nuclei, so it matches with definition E.
3. Step 3: Match 'Meiosis' with its definition. Meiosis is a process where a diploid nucleus divides to produce haploid nuclei, so it matches with definition B.
4. Step 4: Match 'Homologous chromosomes' with its definition. Homologous chromosomes carry similar genes, so it matches with definition D.
5. Step 5: Match 'Crossing over' and 'Cytokinesis' with their definitions. Crossing over results in genetic variation, matching with definition C, and cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm, matching with definition A.

Key Concepts

Mitosis

Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same diploid number of chromosomes as the parent cell. It is essential for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in organisms. The process includes several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, followed by cytokinesis.

Meiosis

Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically diverse haploid cells. This process is crucial for sexual reproduction, as it produces gametes (sperm and eggs) that combine during fertilization. Meiosis involves two rounds of division: meiosis I and meiosis II, each with distinct phases.

Crossing Over

Crossing over is a genetic process that occurs during prophase I of meiosis, where homologous chromosomes exchange segments of genetic material. This exchange increases genetic diversity among offspring by creating new combinations of alleles. It is a key mechanism that contributes to variation in traits within a population.