2.2.

5 My, Oh, Meiosis

Meiosis
What are gametes? What is meiosis? Why is it important that the end result of the
process of meiosis is sex cells that contain
half the amount of DNA that is in body
cells?

Use the Meiosis video in the PLTW curriculum to complete the notes below.

Name Picture Description

Interphase
 Cytokinesis

Telophase + Cytokinesis

How many times does the cell divide?

Number of cells at the end of the process?

What happened to the number of chromosomes from the beginning to end of the process?

Thinking about the process of meiosis, how do you think it is possible for gametes to end up with too many or too few chromosomes?

How many chromosomes SHOULD each human gamete contain after meiosis?

How is it possible for a gamete to end up with too many or too few chromosomes?

Name and describe a disorder that is a result of an extra chromosome. Make sure and list the chromosome involved.
Name and describe a disorder that is a result of a missing chromosome. Make sure and list the chromosome involved.

Getting Down to Gametes

Write a sentence or two that includes and relates these terms: cells,
chromosomes, 23, 46, gametes, eggs, sperm & zygote. Highlight each term.

Label the pictures to the left and right as to whether each shows gamete(s)
or zygote(s).

Meiosis vs. Mitosis: List at least 5 things in each box.

Unique to Meiosis True of Both Unique to Mitosis

 Chromosome Number
Nondisjunction:

Document ways in which nondisjunction can

occur.

Add notes to your meiosis diagrams that show how errors in the process can lead to gametes with more or fewer than the expected number
of chromosomes.

Monosomy: Chromosome Structure Review:

Label & describe the parts of the chromosome shown below.

Trisomy:

How can errors occur in the chromosome

structure?

What can examining a person’s karyotype tell Draw/explain how nondisjunction can cause mistakes in the # of chromosomes in
the scientist who is looking at it? gametes.

Conditions Resulting from Nondisjunction

Examine each karyotype below. Record the total number of chromosomes for each & then identify whether it’s normal, an
example of monosomy or an example of trisomy. Explain. Circle or highlight abnormalities.
 # of chromosomes # of chromosomes # of chromosomes

Normal, monosomy or trisomy Normal, monosomy or trisomy Normal, monosomy or trisomy

Explanation Explanation Explanation

Types of structural changes that can happen to chromosomes

Name Image Description

Occurs when a segment of a chromosome is

removed or lost.
 .

Which do you think is easier to identify on a karyotype - changes in chromosome number or in chromosome structure? Explain your
answer.

How are cells obtained to create a karyotype? The diagrams What do scientists look at to decide whether changes from
provided illustrate methods of getting fetal cells for karyotyping... nondisjunction have occurred? Discuss the characteristic(s) of the
chromosomes they look at.
The diagram provided is a clue...

ETHICAL SCENARIO
 Should a doctor ever withhold information from a patient about a diagnosis in an
effort to keep their spirits high? 

What if a family member of the patient, particularly a child, asks you to? Explain
your response. 

CAREER CONNECTIONS

Helping Patients Meet Their Goals with Music Therapy

Read through the entire section on music therapy including the Career Profile:
MG Rivas Berger
Summarize what a Board Certified Music Therapist does.

Describe several ways patients can benefit from this type of therapy?

Describe what a typical day looks like for a music therapist.

2.2.5 Conclusion Questions

1. Which process do you think offers a greater chance of
nondisjunction—mitosis or meiosis? Explain your answer.
Cytogenetics Report--Personal Patient (do this one using your Chromoscan Board)
Cytogenetics Report--Riley (do this one using Riley’s karyotype from myPLTW)