Notes on the Web - Unit Five- Part 2

Cellular Reproduction: Meiosis

Bruce G. Stewart

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General Objectives and Study Guide

 

Your objectives for these Notes on the Web and associated readings and exercises are:

• To define meiosis and its function;

• To explain the phrase "reduction division" and give the name of the kind of cells produced by meiosis;

• To define diploid and haploid chromosome numbers and explain the significance of the haploid number;

• To summarize the main events in Meiosis I and Meiosis II, and to outline and describe the stages in each division;

• To state and understand the consequences of meiosis and fertilization in the production of genetic variation in offspring;

• To express the similarities and differences between mitosis and meiosis;
• To know common terms and facts associated with the topic of meiosis..

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Related Textbook Readings:

• For General Biology (BIO 1114) Class only:  Johnson and Losos (2008) Chapter 10
• For General Zoology (ZOO 1114) Class only:  Hickman, et al. (2004) Chapter 3 (in part) plus lab book (see lab reading assignments in syllabus)

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First, meiosis is a commonly mispronounced word. It is helpful to know how to pronounce terms correctly for being able to do so makes it easier to remember them and to learn how to spell them. Meiosis pronounced with the first "e" silent and the first "i" long.  This "ei" is a diphthong (two vowels pronounced as one). The "o" is long and the last "i" is short."

The following is simply a brief outline of terms and concepts on which you can focus.  These are mentioned or alluded to in the objectives above. We will discuss all of these terms in lecture and/or via threaded discussion on Internet.  Locate definitions and explanations in your textbook.  Also, visit the link at the end of this page to help you understand the important process of meiosis. 

Meiosis I	Meiosis II
Prophase I	Prophase II
Metaphase I	Metaphase II
Anaphase I	Anaphase II
Telophase I	Telophase II
Daughter Cells (2)	Daughter Cells (4 in males; 1 and 3 polar bodies in females)

 

Meiosis as a Mechanism for Increasing Variation

 

For humans (where 1N=23) there are 8,388,608 possible combinations of chromosomes in a gamete! Crossing over adds even more variation!

Reminder about Textbook Study

As with other topics, your textbooks have excellent presentations of the materials on meiosis, including generous excellent illustrations. Check the general objectives above to make sure that you have covered all of the topics in the textbook readings.

The "Self Test" and other questions will be helpful for general biology students, although many more detailed questions will be included in the lecture exam. Similarly, study questions in the zoology textbook will be helpful review for general zoology students, but again, they are not comprehensive.

As with all materials throughout the semester, you will have opportunities to ask questions or ask that any relevant material from your assignments be discussed in class and/or in threaded discussions on Internet.

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Related Links:

From the "Biology Project" visit and study this link:

• Meiosis Tutorial on The Biology Project (University of Arizona)

• Nova Animation of Mitosis and Meiosis Side by Side (Note: This animation requires the Flash Plugin)