Meiosis Vocab

Meiosis Definition: Type of cell division that creates four different cells each with half the original number of chromosomes. Example: Germ cells, such as sperm and egg cells, are created by meiosis. Other forms: None

Gamete/Germ Cells Definition: Also called “sex cells”, germ cells are used for sexual reproduction. Example: Sperm and egg cells are both types of germ cells. Other forms: None

Haploid Definition: Half the number of chromosomes. Example: Germ cells have a haploid number of chromosomes Other forms: “n”

Somatic Cells

Somatic Cells Definition: Also called “body cells”. Somatic cells are cells containing a full set of chromosomes. Example: Skin cells and muscle cells are both types of somatic cells. Other forms: None

Diploid Definition: The total number of chromosomes in a cell. Example: The diploid number of chromosomes for a human somatic cell is 46. Other forms: “2n”

Chromatin Definition: Uncoiled, loose, thin strands of DNA. Example: When DNA is being used, it is in chromatin form. Other forms: None

Chromatid Definition: Coiled and condensed chromatin. Half of a chromosome. Example: The chromatin coiled into a chromatid. Other forms: None

Chromosome Definition: Coiled and condensed chromatin visible during cell division. Example: Humans have 46 chromosomes in each cell. Other forms: None

Crossing over Definition: When chromosomes exchange genetic information during Meiosis I. Example: Crossing over makes genetically unique cells. Other forms: None

Oogenesis Definition: Formation of egg cells, or ova. Example: Oogenesis makes eggs. Other forms: None

Ova Definition: The female germ cell. Example: Egg cells are ova Other forms: Ovum (singular)

Spermatogenesis Definition: Formation of the male germ cell. Example: Spermatogenesis creates male gametes. Other forms: None

Sexual Reproduction Definition: Reproduction requiring the combination of male and female gametes. Example: Sperm and egg combine in sexual reproduction. Other forms: None

Fertilization Definition: When the male and female gametes combine to form a new organism. Example: When sperm and egg meet, the egg is fertilized. Other forms: fertilize, fertilized

Zygote Definition: A newly fertilized ova. Example: When sperm and egg meet, a zygote is formed. Other forms: None