Reduction Division
chromosome number is reduced from diploid (46 chromosomes) to haploid (23 chromosomes)
Cell
smallest unit of life
Chromosome
A structure that consists of DNA and associated proteins; carries part or all of a cell's genetic information.
Haploid
having one of each type of chromosome characteristic of the species (23 chromosomes)
Crossing over
process by which homologous chromosomes exchange corresponding segments of DNA during prophase I of meiosis
Diploid
Having two of each type of chromosome characteristic of the species (2n). (46 chromosomes)
Gamete
mature, haploid reproductive cell; egg or sperm
Somatic
the cells of the body in contrast to the reproductive cells
homologous chromosomes
chromosome with the same length, shape, and genes
Autosome
a chromosome that is the same in males and females
Gametogenesis
process by which diploid or haploid precursor cells undergo cell division and differentiation to form mature haploid gametes.
Oogenesis
process where female gametes, or ova, are created (eggs form)
Spermatogenesis
the production of sperm cells from germ cells of testis
Interkinesis
Period of time between meiosis I and meiosis II during which no DNA replication takes place.; period of rest
fertilization
Fusion of an egg and sperm cell
independent assortment
the random distribution of the pairs of genes on different chromosomes to the gametes
asexual reproduction
A reproductive process that involves only one parent and produces offspring that are identical to the parent.
zygote
a diploid cell resulting from the fusion of two haploid gametes; a fertilized ovum.
Egg cell
Female sex cell (gamete)
sperm cell
Male sex cell (gamete)
Synapsis
Pairing of homologous chromosomes at the start of meiosis
genetic recombination
new combination of genes produced by crossing over and independent assortment