Meiosis

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What is meiosis?

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Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically diverse gametes. It consists of two rounds of division: meiosis I and meiosis II.

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What is the main purpose of meiosis?

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The main purpose of meiosis is to produce gametes (sperm and eggs) for sexual reproduction, ensuring genetic diversity through recombination and independent assortment.

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What are gametes?

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Gametes are reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) that contain half the number of chromosomes of somatic cells, allowing for genetic variation when they fuse during fertilization.

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What happens during crossing-over?

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Crossing-over is the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis, leading to genetic variation in the resulting gametes.

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What is the difference between homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids?

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Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes (one from each parent) that have the same genes but may have different alleles. Sister chromatids are identical copies of a single chromosome, formed during DNA replication.

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What occurs during anaphase I of meiosis?

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During anaphase I, homologous chromosomes are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell, reducing the chromosome number by half.

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What is independent assortment?

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Independent assortment is the random distribution of homologous chromosome pairs during meiosis, leading to genetic variation in gametes.

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What is the end result of meiosis?

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The end result of meiosis is four haploid gametes, each with a unique combination of genes due to crossing-over and independent assortment.

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What phase follows metaphase I in meiosis?

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Anaphase I follows metaphase I in meiosis.

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What is the significance of prophase I in meiosis?

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Prophase I is significant because it is when crossing-over occurs, allowing for genetic recombination and increasing genetic diversity.