All Flashcards
What is the effect of crossing over on genetic variation?
Crossing over creates new combinations of alleles on the same chromosome, increasing genetic diversity.
What is the effect of nondisjunction during meiosis?
Nondisjunction can lead to gametes with an abnormal number of chromosomes, potentially causing genetic disorders.
How does genetic variation affect natural selection?
Genetic variation provides the raw material upon which natural selection acts, leading to differential survival and reproduction.
What is the effect of random fertilization on offspring?
It increases genetic variation in offspring.
What are the key differences between mitosis and meiosis?
Mitosis: Produces identical cells, used for growth/repair. Meiosis: Produces unique cells, used for sexual reproduction.
Differentiate between independent assortment and crossing over.
Independent assortment: Random arrangement of chromosomes. Crossing over: Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes.
Compare genotype and phenotype.
Genotype: Genetic makeup. Phenotype: Observable characteristics resulting from genotype and environment.
Define independent assortment.
Genes for different traits are sorted into gametes independently during meiosis.
Define crossing over.
Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis I.
Define genotype.
The genetic makeup of an organism.
Define phenotype.
The observable characteristics of an organism, resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.
Define nondisjunction.
Failure of chromosomes to separate properly during meiosis.
Define allele.
A variant form of a gene.