27.01.25 Flashcards
(28 cards)
What is asexual reproduction?
Reproduction without gametes; offspring are genetically identical to the parent.
What is budding?
A new organism grows as an outgrowth of the parent (e.g. Hydra).
What is parthenogenesis?
Eggs develop into embryos without fertilization; offspring are haploid.
What is fragmentation?
An organism splits into parts that regenerate into new individuals.
What is binary fission?
A single-celled organism divides into two identical cells.
What makes sexual reproduction complex?
It involves gamete production, fertilization, genetic variation, and hormone regulation.
What are the main steps in female gamete production?
Ovaries → oocytes → ovulation → fertilization in fallopian tube → zygote → uterus → implantation.
Where does fertilization occur?
In the fallopian tubes.
What is the result of sexual reproduction?
Genetically unique offspring due to meiosis and fertilization.
Where are sperm produced?
In the seminiferous tubules of the testes.
What do Leydig cells do?
Produce testosterone when stimulated by LH.
What do Sertoli cells do?
Support sperm production; maintained by FSH.
What does meiosis produce?
Haploid gametes with genetic variation.
How is genetic variation achieved in meiosis?
Recombination in Prophase I and random assortment in Metaphase I.
What is a recombinant chromatid?
A chromatid with a mix of alleles from both parents.
What is the role of the kinetochore?
It helps chromosomes align and separate properly during cell division.
What hormone does the hypothalamus release?
GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone).
What does GnRH stimulate?
Release of FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary.
What is the HPO axis?
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian axis controlling female reproductive hormones.
Which cells respond to LH and FSH in females?
Theca cells (LH) and granulosa cells (LH and FSH).
What happens around day 6 after fertilization?
The embryo implants in the uterine wall.
What is the placenta’s function?
Provides nutrients, removes waste, enables gas exchange, and gives passive immunity.
How does the fetus receive oxygen?
Through the placenta via the umbilical vein (lungs not functional yet).
How does the mother’s body adapt to pregnancy?
Changes occur in cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems.
