How does sexual reproduction work?
- In sexual reproduction, each parent is contributing genetic material. The cells that carry each parent’s genetic contribution are called gametes. Each gamete’s goal is to combine with another gamete in a process called fertilization.
How are chromosomes and sexual reproduction related?
- Chromosomes store our DNA. Chromosomes come in pairs called homologous chromosomes(ex. you have two copies of chromosome 17).
- Receiving too many or too few chromosomes from parents can potentially lead to serious abnormalities in offspring. So the process of meiosis produces gametes with only half the normal number of chromosomes (that way when they combine with other chromosomes, then the offspring ends up with the proper number). Instead of having pairs of chromosomes, each gamete only has one so it is called haploid. Normal body cells have two sets and are called diploid.
No comments:
Post a Comment