STAAR Higher Level Questions

Front

What is meiosis?

Back

Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes of the original cell.

Front

How many chromosomes do giraffes have in their somatic cells?

Back

Giraffes have 30 chromosomes in their somatic cells.

Front

What is the chromosome number in each daughter cell after meiosis for an organism with 30 chromosomes?

Back

Each daughter cell will have 15 chromosomes after meiosis.

Front

Define somatic cells.

Back

Somatic cells are any cells in the body that are not gametes (sperm or egg cells). They contain the full set of chromosomes.

Front

What is the difference between meiosis and mitosis?

Back

Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell, while meiosis results in four genetically diverse daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes.

Front

What is a gamete?

Back

A gamete is a reproductive cell (sperm or egg) that contains half the number of chromosomes of a somatic cell.

Front

Explain the term 'chromosome.'

Back

A chromosome is a long, thread-like structure made of DNA and proteins that contains genetic information.

Front

What is the significance of meiosis in sexual reproduction?

Back

Meiosis is significant in sexual reproduction because it produces gametes, ensuring genetic diversity and the correct number of chromosomes in offspring.

Front

What happens during the first division of meiosis?

Back

During the first division of meiosis, homologous chromosomes are separated into different cells, reducing the chromosome number by half.

Front

What is crossing over in meiosis?

Back

Crossing over is the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, leading to genetic variation.