Meiosis, Germ Cells and Fertilization (Lec 6) Flashcards
(38 cards)
Define diploid
contains two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent
Define haploid
contains one set of chromosomes
Define gamete
specialized reproductive cell; sperm or eggs generated through meiosis
Define fertilization
haploid gametes fuse to form a diploid cell (zygote)
Define zygote
divides by mitosis to become a multicellular organism
Define germline cells
gametes and their precursors
Define somatic cells
form the rest of the body and leave no progeny
Define autosomes
chromosomes common to both sexes: one form each parent in each diploid nucleus
Define sex chromosomes
X and Y
What are the two ways meiosis creates genetic diversity?
random segregation of homologs during meiosis, crossing over
In meiosis, are gametes haploid or diploid?
haploid
In regards to meiosis I, what phase of the cell cycle do chromosomes replicate?
S phase
Besides chromosome replication, what else occurs in meiosis I?
homologs pair, recombine and separate
What occurs in Meiosis II?
sister chromatids are divided to produce 4 haploid daughter cells
What occurs in prophase I in meiosis?
homologs begin to pair, 4 chromatid structure is called bivalent, stable pairing requires crossing over, homologs are joined by protein structure called synaptonemal complex, small region of homology between X and Y called pseudoautosomal region allows them to pair
Describe the 5 phrases 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
Diakinesis: reach maximum condensation; separation of homologs and transition stage into metaphase
What is the synaptonemal complex made up of?
transverse filaments between homologs, cohesion complexes that assemble on DNA during S phase and bind sister chromatids
What are the distinguishing features of meiosis?
kinetochores, homologs separate at anaphase I, arms of sister chromatids separate at anaphase I, sister chromatids separate in anaphase II
In females, when is meiosis I is completed?
only at ovulation
In females, when is meiosis II completed?
after fertilization
What is nondisjunction?
homologs fail to separate properly
What is aneuploidy?
cells with abnormal chromosome number
What is euploidy?
cells with normal number of chromosomes
When and where does meiosis begin for male mammals?
in testes at puberty