Unit 8: Cellular Reproduction: Meiosis
Meiosis is a specialized type of cellular reproduction that only occurs in the ovaries and testes and results in an egg or sperm, respectively. Sexual reproduction is responsible for the amazing amount of diversity within a species. When sperm fertilizes an egg, the resulting offspring contain genes from the father and the mother. In essence, you contain, at least in a small part, genes from ALL of your ancestors.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 4 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- diagram and label the phases of meiosis given a number of chromosomes or chromosome pairs;
- compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis; and
- explain the role of meiosis.
8.1: Chromosomes, Chromatids, and Chromatin
- Chromosomes are unique collections of genetic material that make each of us an individual. Watch this lecture to learn more about chromosomes and their composition.
8.2: Cell Division, Meiosis, and Sexual Reproduction
Read this introduction to sexual reproduction.
Read this section for an overview of sexual reproduction. As you read, think about the ways that sexual reproduction benefits a species by creating diversity. Be sure to also complete the multiple choice and free response questions.
The process of meiosis is unique to animals that reproduce sexually. Read this section to learn about the events that occur during meiosis. Be sure to also complete the multiple choice and free response questions.
Read this section. Be sure to also complete the multiple choice and free response questions. How would you describe stages of meiosis and how cells are produced? Can you explain why meiosis is needed for sexual reproduction? What are the cells involved in fertilization? How does fertilization occur?
Watch these lectures to see the steps of mitosis and meiosis. Note the additional step in meiosis that leads to genetic variability.
Unit 8 Assessment
Take this assessment to check your understanding of the materials presented in this unit.
Notes:
- There is no minimum required score to pass this assessment, and your score on this assessment will not factor into your overall course grade.
- This assessment is designed to prepare you for the Final Exam that will determine your course grade. Upon submission of your assessment you will be provided with the correct answers and/or other feedback meant to help in your understanding of the topics being assessed.
- You may attempt this assessment as many times as needed, whenever you would like.