Term Definition

Homologous pair

Autosomal linkage Refers to genes being on the same chromosome, these genes tend to show up
together in the same combinations in the offspring.

Mendel’s law of Allele pairs for different genes separate independently during gamete formation
independent
assortment

Outline the processes that occur during the first division of meiosis
- Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase
- Chromosome number halved from diploid to haploid
- Homologous chromosomes pair up in prophase
- Crossing over between non-sister chromatids
- Nuclear envelop breaks down at end of prophase
- Homologous pairs align on equator in metaphase
- Attachment of microtubules to centromeres
- Chromosomes pulled to opposite poles in anaphase
- Nuclear envelops reform in telophase

Describe the behaviour of chromosomes in the phases of meiosis

- Chromosomes condense/supercoiling
- Homologous chromosomes pair up as bivalents
- Exchange of material between the homologous pairs/crossing over
- Homologous pairs of chromosomes are joined by chiasmata
- Pairs of homologous chromosomes become attacked to the spindle fibres
- The homologous chromosomes are arranged across the equator of the spindle
- The homologous pairs randomly orientate towards opposite poles of the spindle
- Spindle fibres attached to centromeres pull chromosomes of each pair to opposite poles
- Two nuclei form with haploid set of chromosomes in each
- Short interphase with no replication of chromosomes
- Chromosomes stay condensed and new spindles form
- Chromosomes align across the equator
- Centromeres divide and chromatids separate
- Two nuclei form and the cytoplasm divides
- Four haploid cells produced

Outline the formation of chiasmata during crossing over

- Crossing over takes place during prophase I of meiosis
- Pairing of homologous chromosomes
- Chromatids break at the same point
- Non-sister chromatids swap alleles
- Chiasmata are X-shaped structures
- Chiasma formed at position where crossing over occurred
- Chiasmata become visible when homologous chromosomes unpair
- Chiasma holds homologous chromosomes together

Explain how the recombinants are formed during meiosis

- Occurs in prophase I of meiosis
- Homologous chromosomes come together in pairs
- Chiasmata form between the chromatids
- Crossing over takes place

Outline the process of crossing over

- Happens during prophase I of meiosis
- Homologous chromosomes exchange DNA
- Recombinants created

Outline crossing over in prophase I leading to genetic variation

- Mutual exchange of DNA
- Between sister chromatids
- Splits up combinations of alleles/linked genes
- Breakage and rejoining of DNA molecules
- New combinations of alleles produced
- Independent assortment of genes on a chromosome
- Recombination

Outline advantages of variation

- More chance of survival of some offspring
- Some offspring will survive under changing conditions
- Natural selection leads to best adapted surviving to breed

Explain how meiosis results in genetic variation in gametes

- Crossing over in prophase I
- Random orientation of homologous pairs in metaphase I
- Random orientation of chromosomes in metaphase II
- combinations of alleles in gametes is 2^n

Explain how DNA is used to pass on genetic information to offspring

accurately but also produce variation in species
- DNA is replicated semi-conservatively
- Mutations can be a source of variation, changing the function of the new protein
- Mutations in the DNA may not result in changes in the amino acid for which the triplet codes
- Genetic code is redundant
- Genes occur as paired alleles which can be different
- Crossing over occurs
- Recombines liked alleles producing new combinations
- Random orientation of homologous chromosomes
- Large genetic variation in gametes, 2^23
- Random recombination of alleles during fertilisation
- Different phenotypes among members of the same population
- Natural selection may lead to enhanced survival of recombinants
Explain how both meiosis and fertilisation promote variation in a species
that leads to natural selection
- Crossing over
- New combination of alleles
- Chromosomal variation can occur creating new varieties
- Genetic mutation can occur creating new varieties
- Random alignment of homologous chromosomes at metaphase I
- Variety of chromosomes set 2^23 in humans
- Random mating in population creates new genetic combinations
- Random fertilisation of one sperm with one egg
- Variations allow for better chances for survival
- More likely to survive to reproductive age
- Variation allows a population to survive environmental change

Differences of mitosis and meiosis

Mitosis Meiosis

Division One Two

Ploidy Diploid Haploid

Synapsis No Yes, form tetrads

Crossing over No Yes, prophase I

Outcome Two cells Four cells

Use Body cells Gametes

Genetics Identical cells Variation

Phases Four phases: PMAT Same four phases twice