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Meiosis definitions

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  • Meiosis
    Cell division process generating four genetically unique haploid cells from one diploid cell, essential for sexual reproduction.
  • Haploid
    Cell state containing a single set of chromosomes, half the genetic content of the original diploid cell.
  • Diploid
    Cell state with two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, typical of somatic cells.
  • Germ Cell
    Specialized cell type that undergoes meiosis to produce gametes for sexual reproduction.
  • Sister Chromatid
    Identical DNA copies formed by replication of a chromosome, joined together until separated during cell division.
  • Homologous Chromosome
    Pair of chromosomes, one maternal and one paternal, carrying the same genes but possibly different alleles.
  • Bivalent
    Structure formed when two homologous chromosomes align and pair during prophase I, enabling genetic exchange.
  • Tetrad
    Group of four chromatids formed by the pairing of two homologous chromosomes during meiosis I.
  • Crossing Over
    Physical exchange of chromosomal segments between maternal and paternal homologs, increasing genetic diversity.
  • Chiasmata
    Visible points where homologous chromosomes remain connected after crossing over, ensuring proper alignment.
  • Homologous Recombination
    Process where similar but non-identical DNA sequences are exchanged between non-sister chromatids in meiosis.
  • Reassortment
    Random distribution of chromosomes into gametes, contributing to genetic variation among offspring.
  • Nondisjunction
    Failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate, resulting in abnormal chromosome numbers.
  • Aneuploidy
    Condition where gametes or cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes, often leading to genetic disorders.
  • Gametic Meiosis
    Type of meiosis where gametes are produced directly, typical in animals, with fertilization restoring diploidy.
  • Zygotic Meiosis
    Meiotic process occurring after fertilization, producing haploid spores; common in some non-animal organisms.
  • Sporic Meiosis
    Meiotic process unrelated to gamete formation, producing spores that develop into gametophytes via mitosis.