Specialized cell that produces gametes 4. Homologous chromosomes that do not have new genetic material 5. Result of Meiosis | Random orientation of chromatids 6. Associated locus chromosomes during prophase 7. Discrete unit of hereditary information consisting of DNA sequences 8. Condensed chromatin in the nucleus 9. Chromosome division of the cytoplasm 10. Duplicated chromosome bound by protein at the centromere 11. Exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids 12. Structure that carries genetic material 13. Contains two sets of chromosomes 14. Diploid product of the union of haploid gametes 15. Two duplicated homologous chromosomes bound by chiasmata 16. Chromosome with the same morphology and location 17. Contains two sister chromosomes DOWN 1. Genera type of the body chromosomes that have undergone crossing over 2. Surface structure formed by crossing points 3. Specialized cell that produces gametes 4. Homologous chromosomes that do not have new genetic material 5. Result of Meiosis | Random orientation of chromatids 6. Associated locus chromosomes during prophase 7. Discrete unit of hereditary information consisting of DNA sequences 8. Condensed chromatin in the nucleus 9. Chromosome division of the cytoplasm 10. Duplicated chromosome bound by protein at the centromere 11. Exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids 12. Structure that carries genetic material 13. Contains two sets of chromosomes 14. Diploid product of the union of haploid gametes 15. Two duplicated homologous chromosomes bound by chiasmata 16. Chromosome with the same morphology and location 17. Contains two sister chromosomes
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Here are the correct terms corresponding to each clue in the puzzle:
ACROSS / DOWN (Identical clues, similar answers):
- Gamete – Specialized cell that produces gametes
- Bivalent – Homologous chromosomes that do not have new genetic material
- Variation – Result of meiosis due to random orientation of chromatids
- Synapsis – Associated locus chromosomes during prophase
- Gene – Discrete unit of hereditary information consisting of DNA sequences
- Chromosome – Condensed chromatin in the nucleus
- Cytokinesis – Chromosome division of the cytoplasm
- Chromatid – Duplicated chromosome bound by protein at the centromere
- Crossing over – Exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids
- Chromosome – Structure that carries genetic material
- Diploid – Contains two sets of chromosomes
- Zygote – Diploid product of the union of haploid gametes
- Tetrad – Two duplicated homologous chromosomes bound by chiasmata
- Homologous – Chromosome with the same morphology and location
- Dyad – Contains two sister chromatids
Explanation
This set of terms is centered around meiosis, the process of cell division that produces gametes—sperm and egg cells—in sexually reproducing organisms. Meiosis ensures genetic diversity and the correct number of chromosomes in offspring.
A gamete is a haploid cell (having one set of chromosomes) specialized for reproduction. The zygote, a diploid cell, is formed when two haploid gametes fuse during fertilization. Diploid cells (2n) contain two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, while haploid cells (n) contain just one.
Meiosis introduces variation through two major mechanisms: crossing over, where non-sister chromatids exchange genetic material, and independent assortment, or random orientation of chromosomes, leading to diverse genetic combinations in gametes.
During prophase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up through synapsis, forming tetrads (or bivalents), which are visible structures made of four chromatids. These can undergo crossing over, increasing genetic diversity.
A gene is a unit of heredity made up of DNA and located on a chromosome, which is a condensed form of chromatin seen during cell division. Each duplicated chromosome consists of two sister chromatids joined at a centromere. A dyad is such a chromosome after separation of homologous pairs in meiosis I.
Finally, cytokinesis is the physical division of the cytoplasm, completing the cell division process. The end result of meiosis is four genetically unique haploid gametes, critical for sexual reproduction and evolution.
