Download Learning Guide: Origins of Life

Learning Guide: Meiosis
Bill Activity #33
To Think About: How is heritable information passed to the next generation in eukaryotes, and how do changes in
genotype result in changes in phenotype of an organism?
1st Read About: Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles Pgs. 248-260 Campbell’s Biology 9th edition
 Overview: Explain the importance of the principles of heredity and variation. Define genetics.
 Offspring acquire genes from parents by inheriting chromosomes.
o Define the following terms as you read: genes, gametes, somatic cells, locus
o Describe the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction.
 Fertilization and meiosis alternate in sexual life cycles.
o Define the following terms as you read: karyotype, homologous chromosomes, sex chromosomes,
autosomes, diploid cell, haploid cell, zygote, fertilization, meiosis, alternation of generations
 Meiosis reduces the number of chromosome sets from diploid to haploid
o Explain the relationship among these words: gene, DNA, chromosome, chromatid.
o Explain why meiosis is often called “reduction division.”
o Create a graphic organizer that illustrates the differences between meiosis and mitosis. (see pg. 256-7)
 Genetic variation produced in sexual life cycles contributes to evolution
o Explain how each of the following contribute to genetic variety among members of the same species:
1. Independent assortment of chromosomes
2. Crossing over
3. Random fertilization
2nd Interact: Take notes on Mr. Andersen’s 028 Cell Cycle, Mitosis and Meiosis Video (if you haven’t already)
3rd Interact: Take notes Mr. Andersen’s Mr. Andersen’s “Meiosis” video
Then: Mr. Andersen’s “Diploid vs. Haploid Cells” video
4th Read About: Alterations of chromosome number or structure Pgs. 297-300 Campbell’s Biology 9th edition
 Abnormal chromosome number
o Explain the following terms: aneuploidy, monosomic, trisomic, polyploidy,
 Alteration of chromosome structure
o List several ways that chromosomes could be altered
o Describe three genetic disorders that can result from nondisjunction or alterations during meiosis.
Supplementary Resources: Click the links below for more information to help you learn more about this lesson.
 Crash Course Biology: Heredity
 Crash Course Biology: Meiosis
 SumanasInc: Meiosis Animation
 Biocoach: Meiosis
 Hillis et al.:Independent Assortment of Alleles Animation
Learn More: For more information about inheritance of traits and production of gametes, follow the links below:
 Nondisjunction in Humans: learn how gametes can end up with extra chromosomes
 PBS’ The Evolution of Sex: learn why sexual reproduction is advantageous from an evolutionary standpoint