Meiosis Flashcards

Learn about Meiosis efficiently with AI-generated flashcards designed for
optimal learning and retention.
Question
What is meiosis?
Answer
Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the production of four genetically distinct daughter cells.
Question
Why is meiosis important?
Answer
Meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction and occurs in germ cells to produce gametes, such as sperm and eggs.
Question
What are gametes?
Answer
Gametes are specialized reproductive cells involved in sexual reproduction, including sperm cells in males and egg cells in females.
Question
What is a zygote?
Answer
A zygote is the initial cell formed when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell, containing all the genetic information necessary to develop into a complete organism.
Question
What is a blastocyst?
Answer
A blastocyst is an early-stage embryo that forms approximately five to six days after fertilization, consisting of a hollow sphere of cells.
Question
What is the role of the trophoblast?
Answer
The trophoblast is a layer of cells that forms the outer shell of a blastocyst and plays a crucial role in implantation and placenta formation.
Question
What is the uterine wall?
Answer
The uterine wall is the outer layer of the uterus, composed of three main layers: the endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium.
Question
What is in vitro fertilization (IVF)?
Answer
IVF is a medical procedure that combines an egg and sperm outside the body in a laboratory setting to assist with conception.
Question
What are the pros of IVF?
Answer
IVF offers solutions for infertility, allows for genetic screening, and can be timed to fit individual schedules.
Question
What are the cons of IVF?
Answer
IVF can be expensive, physically and emotionally taxing, and does not guarantee success, with potential health risks involved.
Question
What are three-parent babies?
Answer
Three-parent babies refer to a reproductive technology that involves genetic material from three individuals to prevent mitochondrial diseases.
Question
What is crossing over in meiosis?
Answer
Crossing over is a process during prophase I of meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, increasing genetic diversity.
Question
What happens during prophase I of meiosis?
Answer
During prophase I, homologous chromosomes pair up and crossing over occurs, while the nuclear envelope begins to disintegrate.
Question
What occurs during metaphase I of meiosis?
Answer
In metaphase I, tetrads align at the metaphase plate, and their orientation is random, contributing to genetic variation.
Question
What is the outcome of meiosis II?
Answer
Meiosis II results in the separation of sister chromatids, leading to the formation of four genetically distinct haploid cells.
Question
What is the significance of genetic diversity in meiosis?
Answer
Genetic diversity generated by meiosis is crucial for adaptation and evolution, allowing populations to respond to changing environments.
Question
What is the function of the endometrium?
Answer
The endometrium is the innermost layer of the uterine wall that thickens during the menstrual cycle in preparation for potential implantation.
Question
What is the role of the myometrium?
Answer
The myometrium is the middle layer of the uterine wall made of smooth muscle tissue, responsible for contractions during labor and menstruation.
Question
What is the perimetrium?
Answer
The perimetrium is the outermost layer of the uterine wall, a thin layer of tissue that covers the exterior of the uterus.
Question
What is mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT)?
Answer
MRT is a technique used to create three-parent babies by combining nuclear DNA from the parents with healthy mitochondrial DNA from a donor.
Question
What ethical concerns are associated with three-parent babies?
Answer
Ethical concerns include genetic modification, informed consent, health risks, social implications, and regulatory frameworks.
Question
What is the significance of the first successful IVF procedure?
Answer
The first successful IVF procedure led to the birth of Louise Brown in 1978, marking a significant advancement in reproductive technology.
Question
How does meiosis contribute to DNA repair?
Answer
Meiosis facilitates DNA repair through recombinational repair between non-sister chromosomes, particularly important in the female germline.
Question
What is the relationship between meiosis and genetic diversity?
Answer
Meiosis generates genetic diversity through recombination and independent assortment, which are essential for the survival and adaptation of species.

Why Use Flashcards for Learning About Meiosis?

Active recall through flashcards strengthens memory pathways and improves long-term retention. This method is particularly effective for learning about Meiosis because it breaks down complex concepts into manageable chunks, making learning more efficient and engaging.

Create a Meiosis
Concept Map

Take your learning deeper with Heuristica's AI-powered concept map maker. Visualize connections between key ideas and strengthen your understanding of Meiosis.