Biology 101: General Biology Mitosis, Meiosis, and Nondisjunction Keeping Track of Chromosomes

This assignment is designed to help you learn about the differences in chromosomal numbers between human cells that go through mitosis and human cells that go through mitosis.

As we watch Amoeba Sister: Chromosome Numbers during Division: Demystified! Please fill out the following table:

Mitosis & Meiosis

Review with Chromosome Numbers:  

Follow the instructions in the boxes by using chromosomal numbers to indicate division in mitosis and meiosis.

Meiosis & Nondisjunction

Sometimes in meiosis, the cell makes an error as the chromosomes separate away from each other during Anaphase I or Anaphase II. Instead of the normal equal separation, one chromosome moves to the wrong pole of the cell.  This leads to an unequal number of chromosomes in the resulting daughter cells.

Review Questions

1. What is a nondisjunction?

• What does aneuploidy mean?

• What is the purpose of mitosis?

• What is the purpose of meiosis?

• What is a sister chromatid?

• Why does your body do mitosis?

• At the end of mitosis:
  • How many daughter cells are there?    

• Are the daughter cells genetically identical OR genetically unique?

• Are the daughter cells haploid or diploid?  

• What is a homologous pair (tetrad)?

• What is a gamete?

1. Where in a female’s body are gametes produced?  

1. Where in a male’s body are gametes produced?  

1. What happens during Prophase I of Meiosis I to the homologous pairs?  Explain how this makes each gamete unique.

1. Why does your body do meiosis?

1. At the end of meiosis:
   1. How many daughter cells are there?   

• Are the daughter cells genetically identical OR genetically unique?

• Are the daughter cells haploid or diploid?  

Was the original mother cell haploid or diploid?