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ch. 6 vocab
vocab for 6.1-6.2
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| somatic cell | cell that makes up all of the body tissues and organs, except gametes |
| gamete | sex cell; an egg or a sperm cell. |
| homologous chromosome | chromosomes that have the same length, appearance, and copies of genes, although the alleles may differ |
| autosome | chromosome that contains genes for characteristics not directly related to the sex of the organism. |
| sex chromosome | chromosome that directly controls the development of sexual characteristics |
| sexual reproduction | involves the fusion of two gametes |
| fertilization | fusion of an egg and sperm cell. |
| diploid | cell that has two copies of each chromo- some, one from an egg and one from a sperm. |
| haploid | cell that has only one copy of each chromo- some |
| meiosis | form of nuclear division that divides a diploid cell into haploid cells; important in forming gametes for sexual reproduction |
| gametogenesis | process by which gametes are produced through the combination of meiosis and other maturational changes |
| sperm | male gamete |
| egg | female gamete |
| polar body | haploid cell produced during meiosis in the female of many species; these cells have little more than DNA and eventually disintegrate |