12/19/23, 10:25 PM BSCI 124 Lecture Notes -- Meiosis

BSCI 124 Lecture Notes

Undergraduate Program in Plant Biology, University of Maryland

LECTURE 9 - MEIOSIS and SEXUAL REPRODUCTION

I. Meiosis

A. Definition - a process in the sexual cycle by which the chromosome number is reduced by 1/2 (2n -> n)
B. Other terms to define
1. Diploid - having two complete sets of chromosomes (2n)
2. Haploid - having a single set of chromosomes (n)
3. Homologous chromosomes - members of a chromosome pair alike - one came from male, one
from female - genes in same location
4. Gametes - haploid reproductive cells that fuse to form a fertilized egg - sperm and eggs, sex cells
5. Zygote - a fertilized egg

II. How meiosis fits into the life cycle

A. Animal life cycle (plants more complex)

1. Only haploid stage is gamete
2. Gametes form from meiosis

B. Plant life cycle will be discussed later

III. Stages of meiosis- animated

Photomicrographs of each stage

A. Interphase - duplication of DNA
B. Prophase I - similar to mitosis except for synapsis
1. Synapsis - pairing of homologous chromosomes
2. Chromatin shortens & thickens to become
chromosomes
3. Nuclear envelope disappears
4. Nucleolus disappears

C. Metaphase I

1. Homologous chromosomes line up in pairs across

the equator
2. Spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the
chromosomes

D. Anaphase I - separation of homologous chromosomes

E.Telophase I

1. Chromosomes arrive at spindle poles

2. Nuclear envelope reforms in some cells
3. Each cell has one each homologous chromosome, cytokinesis occurs to split cells
No Interphase

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12/19/23, 10:25 PM BSCI 124 Lecture Notes -- Meiosis

F. Prophase II

1. Chromosomes shorten and thicken

2. Nuclear envelope disappears
3. No duplication occurs

G. Metaphase II

1. Chromosomes line up along the equator

2. Spindle fibers attach to the centromeres

H. Anaphase II

1. Centromeres divide
2. Sister chromatids separate, become chromosomes

I. Telophase II

1. Nuclear envelope forms around each set of chromosomes

2. Nucleolus appears in each nucleus
3. Chromosomes lengthen and become indistinct
Cytokinesis occurs forming 4 cells

IV. Mitosis vs Meiosis A. Table

Mitosis versus Meiosis

purpose produces somatic cells produces reproductive cells

(body, growth)

process cell duplication reduction division

(diploid -> diploid) (diploid -> haploid)

number of 1 cell division 2 cell divisions

divisions

product 1 -> 2 daughter cells 1 -> 4 cells (gametes)

daughter cells identical daughter cells different

(to each other & mother cell)

B. Detailed comparison of mitosis and meiosis - see also Quick Time® movies of meiosis and mitosis - requires
high-speed access to download

Other sites of interest

Animated review of Meiosis
Excellent review of meiosis in plants
Good review
Review
Basics of mitosis: A good review

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12/19/23, 10:25 PM BSCI 124 Lecture Notes -- Meiosis

Meiosis tutorial- The Biology Project

Definitions (detailed and complete)

Back to BSCI 124 main page

Last revised: 17 Feb 1999 - Bottino

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