What is Meiosis?
Cell division that makes gametes with half the usual number of chromosomes
Meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction.
What is the difference between Mitosis and Meiosis?
Mitosis is used for growth and repair, while meiosis is used for sexual reproduction.
Define Gamete.
Sex cell (egg or sperm)
Gametes are crucial for sexual reproduction.
What is a Somatic cell?
Any body cell that is not a sex cell
Somatic cells make up most of the body’s tissues and organs.
What does Haploid (n) mean?
Cell with one set of chromosomes
Haploid cells are produced during meiosis.
What does Diploid (2n) mean?
Cell with two sets of chromosomes
Diploid cells are typical of somatic cells.
What is an Egg?
Female gamete
Eggs are involved in fertilization to form a zygote.
What is a Sperm?
Male gamete
Sperm cells are essential for fertilizing the egg.
Define Homologous chromosomes.
Matching chromosome pairs (same genes, possibly different alleles)
Homologous chromosomes are important for genetic diversity.
What are Alleles?
Different versions of the same gene
Alleles contribute to genetic variation.
What is Fertilization?
Fusion of egg and sperm
Fertilization results in the formation of a zygote.
What is a Zygote?
Fertilized egg (first diploid cell of a new organism)
The zygote undergoes cell division to develop into an embryo.
Define Dominant allele.
Masks another allele
Dominant alleles determine the phenotype when present.
Define Recessive allele.
Expressed only if two copies are present
Recessive alleles can be masked by dominant alleles.
What is Incomplete dominance?
Blended trait (neither allele fully dominant)
Incomplete dominance results in a phenotype that is a mix of both alleles.
What are the advantages of Sexual reproduction?
Sexual reproduction promotes adaptability.
What are the disadvantages of Sexual reproduction?
These factors can limit reproductive success.
What are the advantages of Asexual reproduction?
Asexual reproduction allows for rapid population growth.
What are the disadvantages of Asexual reproduction?
A lack of genetic diversity can be detrimental in changing environments.
Define Conjugation.
Transfer of genetic material between bacteria
Conjugation is a form of genetic exchange that increases diversity in bacterial populations.
What is a Hermaphrodite?
Organism with both male and female reproductive organs
Hermaphrodites can produce both gametes.
What are the parts of a flower? Name the male parts.
The male parts of a flower are collectively known as the stamen.
What are the parts of a flower? Name the female parts.
The female parts of a flower are collectively known as the pistil.
What is Pollination?
Transfer of pollen from anther to stigma (wind, insects, animals)
Pollination is essential for fertilization in flowering plants.