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Meiosis definitions

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  • Meiosis
    A two-part cell division process producing four haploid cells from one diploid cell, crucial for sexual reproduction and genetic diversity.
  • Reductional Division
    The first meiotic division where chromosome number is halved, resulting in cells with one set of chromosomes.
  • Equatorial Division
    The second meiotic division where sister chromatids are separated, producing cells with single chromosomes.
  • Homologous Chromosomes
    Chromosome pairs with the same genes but possibly different alleles, one from each parent.
  • Sister Chromatids
    Identical copies of a chromosome formed after DNA replication, joined at a centromere.
  • Bivalent
    A structure formed by a pair of homologous chromosomes during meiosis, allowing crossing over.
  • Tetrad
    A group of four chromatids formed by the pairing of two homologous chromosomes after replication.
  • Dyad
    A pair of sister chromatids resulting from the separation of homologous chromosomes.
  • Synaptonemal Complex
    A protein structure that forms between homologous chromosomes, facilitating their alignment and recombination.
  • Crossing Over
    The exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids, increasing genetic variation.
  • Chiasmata
    Visible connections where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material during crossing over.
  • Metaphase Plate
    An imaginary plane where chromosomes align during metaphase, ensuring proper segregation.
  • Disjunction
    The proper separation of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids during anaphase.
  • Nondisjunction
    An error in chromosome separation, leading to cells with abnormal chromosome numbers and potential genetic disorders.
  • Haploid
    A cell state with one set of chromosomes, typical of gametes after meiosis.