Table of contents

1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

9. Mitosis and Meiosis

Mitosis

Genetics

9. Mitosis and Meiosis

Mitosis

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2:02 minutes

Problem 23

Textbook Question

You are given a metaphase chromosome preparation (a slide) from an unknown organism that contains 12 chromosomes. Two that are clearly smaller than the rest appear identical in length and centromere placement. Describe all that you can about these chromosomes.

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Identify the total number of chromosomes in the organism, which is 12.

Recognize that the two smaller chromosomes are homologous, as they appear identical in length and centromere placement.

Determine that these homologous chromosomes are likely autosomes, as they are not differentiated by sex-specific characteristics.

Consider the possibility that these chromosomes could be sex chromosomes if the organism has a sex determination system where the sex chromosomes are similar in size and shape.

Conclude that the organism is diploid, as homologous pairs are present, and the total number of chromosomes is even.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chromosome Structure

Chromosomes are structures within cells that contain DNA and proteins. They are composed of chromatin, which condenses during cell division to form visible structures. Each chromosome has a centromere, which is crucial for proper segregation during mitosis and meiosis. Understanding the basic structure helps in identifying characteristics such as size and centromere position.

Karyotype Analysis

Karyotype analysis involves examining the number and appearance of chromosomes in a cell. It allows for the identification of chromosomal abnormalities and the organization of chromosomes based on size, shape, and centromere location. In this case, recognizing that there are 12 chromosomes and noting the two smaller, identical chromosomes is essential for understanding the organism's genetic makeup.

Homologous Chromosomes

Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes that have the same structure and gene sequence but may carry different alleles. In diploid organisms, one chromosome of each pair is inherited from each parent. The observation of two smaller chromosomes that appear identical suggests they may be homologous, indicating they could represent a pair of sex chromosomes or a specific autosomal pair.

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Textbook Question

Describe the role of the following structures or proteins in cell division:

cohesin protein

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Textbook Question

The nuclear DNA content of a single sperm cell in Drosophila melanogaster is approximately 0.18 picogram. What would be the expected nuclear DNA content of a primary spermatocyte in Drosophila? What would be the expected nuclear DNA content of a somatic cell (non-sex cell) in the G1 phase? What would be the expected nuclear DNA content of a somatic cell at metaphase?

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Textbook Question

Contrast the chromatin fiber with the mitotic chromosome. How are the two structures related?

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Textbook Question

Describe the 'folded-fiber' model of the mitotic chromosome.

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Textbook Question

For Problems 25–30, consider a diploid cell that contains three pairs of chromosomes designated AA, BB, and CC. Each pair contains a maternal and a paternal member (e.g., A^m and A^p). Using these designations, demonstrate your understanding of mitosis and meiosis by drawing chromatid combinations as requested. Be sure to indicate when chromatids are paired as a result of replication and/or synapsis. You may wish to use a large piece of brown manila wrapping paper or a cut-up paper grocery bag for this project and to work in partnership with another student. We recommend cooperative learning as an efficacious way to develop the skills you will need for solving the problems presented throughout this text.In mitosis, what chromatid combination(s) will be present during metaphase? What combination(s) will be present at each pole at the completion of anaphase?

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Textbook Question

For Problems 25–30, consider a diploid cell that contains three pairs of chromosomes designated AA, BB, and CC. Each pair contains a maternal and a paternal member (e.g., A^m and A^p). Using these designations, demonstrate your understanding of mitosis and meiosis by drawing chromatid combinations as requested. Be sure to indicate when chromatids are paired as a result of replication and/or synapsis. You may wish to use a large piece of brown manila wrapping paper or a cut-up paper grocery bag for this project and to work in partnership with another student. We recommend cooperative learning as an efficacious way to develop the skills you will need for solving the problems presented throughout this text.During meiosis I, assuming no crossing over, what chromatid combination(s) will be present at the completion of prophase I? Draw all possible alignments of chromatids as migration begins during early anaphase.

455

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Textbook Question

For Problems 25–30, consider a diploid cell that contains three pairs of chromosomes designated AA, BB, and CC. Each pair contains a maternal and a paternal member (e.g., A^m and A^p). Using these designations, demonstrate your understanding of mitosis and meiosis by drawing chromatid combinations as requested. Be sure to indicate when chromatids are paired as a result of replication and/or synapsis. You may wish to use a large piece of brown manila wrapping paper or a cut-up paper grocery bag for this project and to work in partnership with another student. We recommend cooperative learning as an efficacious way to develop the skills you will need for solving the problems presented throughout this text.Are there any possible combinations present during prophase of meiosis II other than those that you drew in Problem 26? If so, draw them.

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Textbook Question

A eukaryote with a diploid number of 2n=6 carries the chromosomes shown below and labeled (a) to (f).

Explain how you determined the correct alignment of homologous chromosomes on opposite sides of the metaphase plate.

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