What is different about a reproductive cell compared to the rest of the cells in your body?

The division of one cell into two identical cells, each with the same number of chromosomes that you started with in the original cell. In humans, normally 46 chromosomes During mitosis, doubles to 92, so 46 can go to each new “daughter cell”

Recall the four steps of mitosis: Prophase Metaphase Anaphase Telophase This process includes chromosomes duplicating, and resulting in 2 identical cells.

46 Chromosomes Of the chromosomes in humans, you have two of each chromosome, one from each parent. (DIPLOID, 2N) really 23 PAIR of chromosomes You have 2 full sets of information- you pass on ONE of those to your offspring.

Takes 46-chromosome cells randomly selects one of each chromosome into new cell Makes HAPLOID (one of each chromosome, N) cell ** Sex cells have 23 chromosomes! 2 haploid cells, one from each parent, combine to make your diploid genetic code.

Begin with 1 cell Cell essentially goes through mitosis first Next, cell splits again, but does NOT replicate its DNA, so only 23 chromosomes go to each cell. Leaves you with 4 DIFFERENT cells.

Crossing Over Chromosomes get tangled during meiosis and switch spots

Genes close to each other on chromosomes tend to be found together. Example- Red hair and freckles are close on chromosomes, so they usually travel together.

When chromosomes do not separate during meiosis, causing zygote to have too many or too few chromosomes. Down Syndrome- Nondisjunction of chromosome 21.

Asexual reproduction- Only makes identical cells, so little genetic variation in species Sexual Reproduction- All sex cells are different. leads to variation within species Allows species to survive changes better

Traits can ONLY be passed on if the trait is carried in the sex genes If you get a mutation leading to cancer, it can only be passed on if it is carried in sperm/egg cells also.

Why do you look different from your siblings if you both have mom and dad’s genes?