Self Assessment Questions for Lesson 5 Chromosomes in Meiosis, Medicine and Evolution by Dr Jamie Love 2002 - 2005

What two events in meiosis I increase the diversity of gametes and what do these events look like under the microscope?

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2

During meiosis I the number of kinetochores is different from mitosis and that affects how the chromosomes are lined up at metaphase I.

Explain what is special about the kinetochores in meiosis I and how chromosomes at this stage manage to line up at the metaphase plate.

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3

Imagine a newly created normal human zygote. Naturally, it is diploid (2n = 46). Imagine it undergoes a normal mitosis and a normal cytokinesis.

Now imagine those two cells were to drift apart - by accident. These cells tend to “forget” that they have undergone a previous division so they both continue on as if they were the original zygote.

Assuming the rest of development goes normally, what should the mother have in nine months?

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4

Continuing from SAQ 3 ...

How similar, genetically, would her two children be to each other?

How similar, genetically, would either child be to her?

How similar, genetically, would either child be to its father?

How similar, genetically, would either child be to one of its grandparents?

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5

Assume that couple from earlier decide to have another child and a year later she gives birth to a normal healthy child.
Will that child be identical to the twins? Why or why not?

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6

Assume you have a brother or sister. (Maybe you don't have to assume.) How similar, genetically, are you to him or her? (100%? 50%? 25%? Something else?) This is a particularly hard question but give it a try.

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7

What is a locus and what is found there? What are loci?

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