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Meiosis:Sections 1-2
Biology Chapter 6; Sections 1-2
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 organisms |
sex chromosome | chromosome that directly controls the development of sexual characteristics |
sexual reproduction | process by which two gametes fuse and offspring that are a genetic mix of both parents are produced |
fertilization | fusion of an egg and sperm cell |
diploid | cell that has two copies of each chromosome; one from an egg and the other from a sperm |
haploid | cell that only has one copy of each chromosome |
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 |