10.

1 Meiosis
Friday, 27 April 2012 8:56 AM

10.1.1 Describe the behaviour of the chromosomes in the phases of meiosis. Phases of meiosis Prophase I Chromosome behaviour Chromosomes become visible (shorter and coiled up) Each chromosome contains 2 chromatids Homologous chromosomes pair up --> bivalent DNA exchanged between non-sister chromatids during crossing-over

Metaphase I

Centromeres of each chromosome have spindle microtubules attached Bivalents line up along equator (random orientation) Crossing over is terminated, chromatids from same chromosome might be different

Anaphase I

Homologous chromosomes separate, pulled to opposite poles by spindle microtubules Independent assortment of genes that are not linked

Telophase I (optional)

Chromosomes surrounded by two new nuclear membranes Chromosomes go through partial uncoiling Each of two daughter cells is haploid, still made up of two chromatids

Prophase II

DNA condenses to visible chromosomes

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Prophase II

DNA condenses to visible chromosomes Chromosomes not in bivalents

Metaphase II

Individual chromosomes line up along equator (random orientation) Spindle fibres from opposite poles attach to each of the sister chromatids at centromere

Anaphase II

Centromeres of each chromosome split Each sister chromatid becomes individual chromosome Spindle microtubules pull individual chromatids to opposite ends Random orientation --> could be pulled towards either of new daughter cells

Telophase II

Chromosomes invisible again as they unwind

10.1.2 Outline the formation of chiasmata in the process of crossing over.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

During prophase 1, synapsis brings together two homologous chromosomes One maternal and one paternal, non-identical Crossing over occurs when chromatids intertwine and break Chiasmata: where the two connect to each other
Identical breaks occur at the same position in adjacent non-sister chromatids Each chromatid now as a separated tip Two segments each connect to the corresponding position on the other chromatid Two tips switched and each resulting chromatid has a segment of the other Chiasmata occur Once attached at chiasmata, chromatids repel each other and twist around

10.1.3 Explain how meiosis results in an effectively infinite genetic variety in gametes through crossing over in prophase I and random orientation in metaphase I.
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random orientation in metaphase I.

Genetic variation through meiosis: Random orientation (metaphase I, II) Recombination of unlinked genes At metaphase II the crossed over sister chromatids will orientate independently Crossing over (prophase I) Recombination of linked genes

10.1.4 State Mendels law of independent assortment. Mendel's law of independent assortment: When gametes are formed, the separation of one pair of alleles between the daughter cells is independent of the separation of another pair of alleles One allele does not follow another when it is passed on to a gamete Alleles which determine different characteristics will be transmitted independently to the next generation ONLY TRUE FOR UNLINKED GENES 10.1.5 Explain the relationship between Mendels law of independent assortment and meiosis.

Orientation of bivalents during metaphase 1 is random During assortment (metaphase 1 and anaphase 1) the random positions ensures random distribution of alleles Mendel deduced: characteristics determined by interaction between pairs of alleles Pairs of alleles of a gene separate independently during gamete production-->attribute to random orientation in metaphase I Deduction came from work with pea plants. Investigated 2 traits and performed crosses to record phenotypes produced in offspring

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