1. Chapter 4.3

2.  Gametes:  Reproductive cells. They contain half the usual number of chromosomes.  Egg:  Gamete that is formed by the female.  Sperm:  Gamete that is formed by the male.  Fertilization:  The process when the sperm and the egg combine to form a new cell.

3.  Haploid Cell (Gametes):  A cell with half the DNA as a normal cell (23 single chromosomes for humans)  Diploid Cell:  A cell with the normal number of chromosomes (23 pairs, 46 total)  Why is it important to have haploid cells for reproduction?  So they have the right number of chromosomes.  Get one set from each parent, creates diversity.

4.  A special kind of cell division that produces gametes (haploid cells).  Only takes place in reproductive organs.  A single cell goes through two divisions (Meiosis I and Meiosis II)  They have half as much DNA so when they combine the new organism has the right number of chromosomes (23 from the sperm and 23 from the egg).

6.  Only cells that become gametes go through meiosis.  Meiosis = 2 cell divisions Mitosis = 1 cell division  Meiosis = produces haploid cells (half as much genetic information) for reproduction.  Mitosis = produces diploid cells (same amount of genetic information as parent cell)