Exam 1 Flashcards
(303 cards)
ploidy
Ploidy is the number of complete sets of chromosomes in a cell or organism.
haploid number
The haploid number refers to the number of unique chromosomes in a single set of chromosomes for a particular species.
homologous chromosome
A homologous chromosome is one of a pair of chromosomes that have the same genes at the same positions and the same centromere locations.
allele
An allele is one of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome.
Understand that mitotic division does not change ploidy
Describe basics of sexual reproduction – germ cells, gametes, fertilization
Germ cells undergo meiosis to produce haploid gametes (sperm and eggs). During fertilization, a haploid sperm cell fuses with a haploid egg cell, combining their chromosomes to form a diploid zygote. This restores the original ploidy of the organism in the zygote and subsequent cells formed by mitotic divisions during development.
Understand why meiosis is needed to create gametes (why mitosis cannot be used to
create gametes)
Mitosis cannot be used to create gametes because it maintains the same ploidy in daughter cells. Meiosis is required to halve the ploidy and produce haploid gametes, so that fertilization restores the original diploid ploidy.
Describe the phases of meiosis
Meiosis I:
Prophase I - Chromosomes condense, homologous chromosomes pair up.
Metaphase I - Paired homologous chromosomes line up along the center.
Anaphase I - Homologous chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles.
Telophase I - Chromosomes arrive at poles, nuclear membranes reform around each set.
Meiosis II:
Prophase II - Chromosomes condense again.
Metaphase II - Chromosomes line up individually.
Anaphase II - Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.
Telophase II - Haploid daughter cells form with one chromosome set each.
Understand that meiosis separates homologous chromosome, which separates alleles of the same gene apart
During meiosis, the separation of homologous chromosomes in Anaphase I is what allows different combinations of alleles for each gene to be distributed into the resulting gametes. Since homologous chromosomes carry different versions (alleles) of the same genes, separating the homologous pairs ensures that each gamete receives a unique mixture of maternal and paternal alleles. This genetic reshuffling by separating homologous chromosomes is a key reason meiosis generates genetic diversity in gametes and offspring.
Be able to describe crossing over and independent assortment in meiosis
Crossing over: Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during prophase I.
Independent assortment: Random segregation of maternal and paternal chromosomes into gametes during anaphase I.
Both crossing over and independent assortment generate genetic diversity in gametes produced by meiosis.
Understand how crossing over and independent assortment can create unique gametes
Crossing over: By exchanging chromosome segments between homologous pairs, new combinations of maternal and paternal genes are created on each chromosome.
Independent assortment: The random segregation of chromosomes into gametes means each gamete will get a unique assortment of maternal and paternal chromosomes.
The combined effects of recombination from crossing over and the randomized chromosome assortment means that out of the millions of possible gametes, virtually every one receives a different complement of genes and alleles. This genetic uniqueness of gametes facilitates greater diversity in offspring produced by sexual reproduction.
gamete
A gamete is a haploid reproductive cell that fuses with another during fertilization in sexual reproduction.
fertilization
Fertilization: The fusion of two gametes (egg and sperm) to form a diploid zygote.
crossing over
Crossing over: The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, which generates new combinations of maternal and paternal genes.
independent assortment
Independent assortment: The random segregation of maternal and paternal chromosomes into gametes during meiosis.
tetrad
Group of four chromatids/haploid cells held together after meiosis II
homologous pair
Two chromosomes in a diploid cell that carry genes for the same traits
One chromosome from each parent
Pair up and exchange genetic material during meiosis
synaptonemal complex
Synaptonemal complex:
- Protein structure that forms between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis
- Facilitates crossover events and recombination between non-sister chromatids
- Helps hold homologous pairs together until separation in anaphase I
cohesin
Cohesin:
- Protein complex that holds sister chromatids together after DNA replication
- Ensures proper separation of sister chromatids during anaphase of mitosis and meiosis
- Removed from chromosomes in a regulated manner to allow segregation
chiasma/chiasmata
Chiasma/Chiasmata:
- The point(s) where crossing over occurs between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes
- Physically holds chromatids together until anaphase I of meiosis
- Singular: chiasma, plural: chiasmata
- Allows for genetic recombination and increased genetic diversity
sister chromatid
Sister chromatids:
- Two identical copies of a chromosome formed after DNA replication
- Held together by the cohesin protein complex until anaphase
- Separate and migrate to opposite poles during anaphase of mitosis and meiosis II
- Genetically identical unless a new mutation occurs
cell cycle
Cell cycle:
- Sequence of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication
- Consists of interphase (G1, S, G2 phases) and M phase (mitosis)
- Regulated by cyclin-dependent kinases and checkpoints
- Ensures proper division and genetic distribution to daughter cells
interphase
Interphase:
- Longest phase of the cell cycle
- Consists of G1, S, and G2 phases
- Cell grows, duplicates organelles and chromosomes (during S phase)
- Prepares for mitosis or meiosis
- Most metabolic activity occurs during interphase
Describe the characteristics and feature of Mendelian traits
Here are the key characteristics of Mendelian traits in concise bullet points:
- Determined by discrete units (genes)
- Dominant and recessive alleles
- Alleles segregate during gamete formation
- Independent assortment of traits
- Simple dominance (one allele masks the other)
- Predictable phenotypic ratios in offspring
- Can be monohybrid (single trait) or dihybrid (two traits)