0
What is the significance of meiosis in the formation of haploid gametes and its role in genetic variability?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Here are a few points of that broad question:
The process of meiosis creates haploid cells (containing a single chromosome set). It introduces a large amount of variablitilty in offspring through the following:
Independant Assortment:
During Metaphase I the homologous pairs (consisting of one maternal and one paternal chromosome) are situated at the metaphase plate. Each pair may orient its maternal or paternal homolog closer to either pole. Each of the pairs are positioned independantly, each side have a 50% chance of receiving either maternal or paternal chromosomes.
The number of combinations that are possible for daughter cells formed by a diploid cell is 2n (n is the haploid number of an organism, for humans the haploid number is 23)
Crossing Over:
During Phrophase I homologous chromosomes pair loosely along their lengths and the exchange of two corresponding segments of two nonsister chromatids (one paternal and one maternal) occurs.
Different arrangements of nonidentical sister chromatids druing meiosis II increase variability.
*Products of meiosis allows for random fertilization*
The fusion of a male gamete with a female gamete during fertilization will produce a zygote with any of about 70 TRILLION (223 X 223) diploid combinations.
Neil A.Campbell, Jane B. Reece, Biology 8th edition, 2008. Pgs 254-259
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Meiosis is significant in forming haploid gametes because it reduces the chromosome number by half, ensuring the resulting gametes have a single set of chromosomes. This process also promotes genetic variability through crossing over during prophase I and random assortment of homologous chromosomes during metaphase I. As a result, offspring inherit a unique combination of genetic material from their parents, increasing genetic diversity.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What is Meiosis the basis for?
genetic recombination and formation of gametes
What is relationship between gametes and genetic variation?
Gametes are specialized cells involved in sexual reproduction that carry genetic information. Through the process of meiosis, gametes undergo genetic recombination, resulting in new combinations of genes and increasing genetic variation in offspring. This genetic variation is essential for the diversity and adaptability of species.
What is recombinant gametes?
Recombinant gametes are formed through the process of genetic recombination during meiosis. This process involves the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, leading to the formation of gametes with new combinations of alleles. Recombinant gametes contribute to genetic diversity in offspring.
What does crossing over ensure about the gametes that are formed during meiosis?
Crossing over ensures genetic diversity in the gametes formed during meiosis. It promotes the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, increasing the variability of offspring produced.
Does sex cells have a nucleus?
Yes, sex cells, or gametes, have a nucleus. The nucleus contains the genetic material of the cell in the form of chromosomes, which carry the individual's unique genetic information. This genetic material is essential for the formation of a new organism when the gametes combine during fertilization.
What is relationship between gametes and genetic variation?
Gametes are specialized cells involved in sexual reproduction that carry genetic information. Through the process of meiosis, gametes undergo genetic recombination, resulting in new combinations of genes and increasing genetic variation in offspring. This genetic variation is essential for the diversity and adaptability of species.
What is Meiosis the basis for?
genetic recombination and formation of gametes
What does crossing over ensure about the gametes that are formed during meiosis?
Crossing over ensures genetic diversity in the gametes formed during meiosis. It promotes the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, increasing the variability of offspring produced.
What is genetic variability?
Genetic variability refers to the differences in DNA sequences among individuals in a population. This variability is essential for evolution as it allows for adaptation to changing environments and the development of diversity within species. Genetic variability can arise from mutations, genetic recombination, and gene flow.
Principle of independent assortment?
The principle of independent assortment states that each pair of alleles segregates independently of other pairs of alleles during gamete formation. This means that the inheritance of one trait does not affect the inheritance of another trait, leading to genetic variability in offspring. This principle was proposed by Gregor Mendel based on his experiments with pea plants.
Why can plants vary from the plant parent?
Due to genetic recombination during gamete formation by meiosis and fusion of such gametes during fertilization.
During the formation of gametes independent assortment occurs where?
During the formation of gametes, independent assortment occurs during meiosis when homologous chromosomes randomly assort themselves into daughter cells, resulting in genetic diversity. This process helps to create gametes with unique combinations of genes from both parents.
What do chiasmas promote?
genetic variability
During the formation of gametes in a hybrid tall plantthe allele and the short allele stay together?
During the formation of gametes in a hybrid tall plant, the alleles for tall and short height do not stay together. They segregate and assort independently during meiosis, resulting in a random combination of alleles in the gametes. This allows for a variety of possible genetic combinations in the offspring.
7 What other events insure genetic variability of the gametes?
There are three key mechanisms for genetic variability: First is the genetic recombination... which is the synapsis and crossing over part in the Prophase I of Meiosis I... Second is independent assortment... where the tetrads align themselves independently during the Metaphase I of Meiosis I... Third is random fertilization... which means any one of your father's gabajillion sperms and your mother's oocyte can fuse together to make a zygote whose genetic make-up is so mixed up and unique...
Do plants decrease genetic variability when spores are produced?
No
What type of population is most susceptible to loss of genetic variability as a result of genetic?
small populations
