Lecture 6 Flashcards
(126 cards)
Definition of haploid
Contains one set of chromosome
Definition of diploid
Contains two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent
Gametes:
Specialized reproductive cells; sperm or eggs generated through meiosis
Fertilization:
haploid gametes fuse to form a diploid cell (zygote)
Zygote:
Divides by mitosis to become a multicellular organism
Germline cells:
Gametes and their precursors
Somatic cells:
For the rest of the body and leave no progeny
Autosomes:
Chromosomes that are common to both sexes: one from each parent in each diploid nucleus
Sex chromosomes:
X and Y
How does meiosis create genetic diversity in two ways?
- random segregation of homologs during meiosis
- crossing over
Gametes are diploid or haploid?
Haploid
Meiosis:
Two cell divisions but one round of DNA synthesis to produce half the number of chromosomes
Chromosomes replicate in S phase
How are the two sister chromatids bound together?
By cohesin complexes
How long can it take for homologs to pair in prophase I?
days or weeks
bivalent:
4 chromatid structure
Chiasma
Crossing over that gives stable pairing
How are homologs joined?
Synaptonemal complex protein structure
What is the small region of homology between X and Y that allows them to pair?
pseudoautosomal region
Name the five phases of prophase
- Leptotene: homologs begin to condense/pair
- Zygotene: homologs pair and synaptonemal complexes form
- Pachytene: synapsis is complete; crossing over occurs
- Diplotene: Synaptonemal complex begins to break down; homologs begin to separate but remain attached at chiasmata
- Diakinesis: Reach maximum condensation; separation of homologs and transition stage into metaphase
What forms Synaptonemal complex?
Transverse filaments between homologs form synaptonemal complex which is important for crossing over
What binds sister chromatids to each other? What is the importance?
Cohesin complexes assemble on DNA during S phase and bind sister chromatids. Major components of axial core of each homolog. Plays important role in segregating homologs in meiosis I
What are distinguishing features of meiosis
- Kinetochores on the 2 sister chromatids attach to microtubules coming from same pole
- Homologs separate at anaphase I
- Arms of sister chromatids separate at AI, resolving chiasmata and allowing separation
- Sister chromatids separate in anaphase II when separase cleaves cohesin complexes
What stage is human female meiosis arrested at and for how long?
Arrested for years after diplotene. And Meiosis I is completed only at ovulation and Meiosis II after fertilization
Nondisjunction:
Homologs fail to separate properly