2025 Meiosis Flashcard

Front

What is Meiosis?

Back

Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four haploid cells, each genetically distinct from the parent cell.

Front

What is the difference between haploid and diploid cells?

Back

Haploid cells contain one set of chromosomes (n), while diploid cells contain two sets (2n). For example, human body cells are diploid (46 chromosomes), while human gametes (sperm and egg) are haploid (23 chromosomes).

Front

What is the haploid number for an organism with 60 chromosomes in its body cells?

Back

30 (haploid number is half of the diploid number).

Front

What phase of meiosis is characterized by the separation of homologous chromosomes?

Back

Anaphase I.

Front

What occurs during Prophase I of meiosis?

Back

Homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material through a process called crossing over.

Front

What is Telophase II in meiosis?

Back

Telophase II is the final stage of meiosis where the chromosomes reach the poles, and the nuclear membrane reforms, resulting in four haploid cells.

Front

What is Cytokinesis?

Back

Cytokinesis is the process that follows mitosis or meiosis, where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate cells.

Front

How many chromosomes would be present in the body cells of a male shark with 40 chromosomes in its sex cells?

Back

80 (the body cells are diploid, containing two sets of chromosomes).

Front

What is Metaphase II?

Back

Metaphase II is the stage in meiosis where chromosomes line up at the equatorial plane of the cell before being separated.

Front

What is the role of spindle fibers during meiosis?

Back

Spindle fibers help separate chromosomes during cell division by attaching to the centromeres and pulling them apart.