Meiosis Flashcards

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What is meiosis?

Meiosis is a type of cell division. It makes sex cells (gametes) with half the number of chromosomes of the original cell.

Where does meiosis happen in the human body?

Meiosis happens in the ovaries to make egg cells and in the testes to make sperm cells.

Why is meiosis important in sexual reproduction?

Meiosis makes gametes with half the normal number of chromosomes. This means that when they join at fertilisation, the zygote has a full set and can grow.

How many cells are produced from one cell by meiosis, and how are they different?

Meiosis produces four daughter cells. Each one is genetically different from the others and from the parent cell.

What happens to the chromosome number during meiosis?

The chromosome number is halved in meiosis. Diploid cells with two sets of chromosomes form haploid gametes with one set.

What is a diploid cell?

A diploid cell has two sets of chromosomes. In humans this is 46 chromosomes in 23 matching pairs.

What is a haploid cell?

A haploid cell has one set of chromosomes. In humans this is 23 chromosomes in a sex cell like a sperm or egg.

How is meiosis different from mitosis?

Meiosis has two divisions and makes four haploid cells that are all different. Mitosis has one division and makes two diploid cells that are identical.

How does meiosis create genetic variation in gametes?

In meiosis, chromosomes are mixed up and separated in different ways. This means each gamete gets a different mix of genes.

What is crossing over in meiosis?

Crossing over is when matching chromosomes touch and swap equal sections of DNA early in meiosis. This makes new combinations of genes.