A diploid cell undergoes two divisions during meiosis, producing four haploid cells. While the large numbers of chromosomes in most cells make observation difficult, it is possible to identify the main phases of meiosis.
Figure 1 Photomicrographs of cells in meiosis
Image: Eight cells in meiosis. (1) the cell has an outline-type marking in it, of a line on the left and two semi-circles, with two small lines at bottom right; (2) the cell has multiple little black spots bunched together almost forming two lines one over the other; (3) the cell has two curved lines of tiny vertical lines, one over the other; (4) two black dots, one over the other; (5) the cell is split in half horizontally, with a ball of tiny dots in each half; (6) the cell is split in half vertically with a squiggly mark in each half; (7) the cell is split into four sections with squiggly-like figures in each section; (8) The cell is split into four sections, with four tiny balls in each section towards the outside of cell.
1. Non-disjunction events are very rare. Which image in Figure 1 represents the phase during which non-disjunction could be occurring? K/U T/I A
2. It would be impossible to observe meiosis without the use of specialized biological stains. Find out what types of materials can be used to stain chromosomes or other cell structures. [Go To Nelson Science] T/I A
3. In some species of grasshopper, males have 22 autosomal chromosomes and only one X sex chromosome. Females have 22 autosomal chromosomes and two X chromosomes. How do you think scientists are able to obtain this information? T/I A
4. Research "triploid" (3n) banana plants. Explain why they have three sets of homologous chromosomes and how this affects their ability to undergo meiosis and sexual reproduction. [Go To Nelson Science] T/I A
Observing Meiosis
A diploid cell undergoes two divisions during meiosis, producing four haploid cells. While the large numbers of chromosomes in most cells make observation difficult, it is possible to identify the main phases of meiosis.
Figure 1 Photomicrographs of cells in meiosis
Image: Eight cells in meiosis. (1) the cell has an outline-type marking in it, of a line on the left and two semi-circles, with two small lines at bottom right; (2) the cell has multiple little black spots bunched together almost forming two lines one over the other; (3) the cell has two curved lines of tiny vertical lines, one over the other; (4) two black dots, one over the other; (5) the cell is split in half horizontally, with a ball of tiny dots in each half; (6) the cell is split in half vertically with a squiggly mark in each half; (7) the cell is split into four sections with squiggly-like figures in each section; (8) The cell is split into four sections, with four tiny balls in each section towards the outside of cell.
1. Non-disjunction events are very rare. Which image in Figure 1 represents the phase during which non-disjunction could be occurring? K/U T/I A
2. It would be impossible to observe meiosis without the use of specialized biological stains. Find out what types of materials can be used to stain chromosomes or other cell structures. [Go To Nelson Science] T/I A
3. In some species of grasshopper, males have 22 autosomal chromosomes and only one X sex chromosome. Females have 22 autosomal chromosomes and two X chromosomes. How do you think scientists are able to obtain this information? T/I A
4. Research "triploid" (3n) banana plants. Explain why they have three sets of homologous chromosomes and how this affects their ability to undergo meiosis and sexual reproduction. [Go To Nelson Science] T/I A