Terminology

Zygote

1n + 1n = 2n

First cell of an organism.

Gamete Cells

1n reproductive cells

egg, ovule, sperm, pollen.

Somatic Cells

2n body cell

Homozygote

Same alleles between homologous chromosomes at each gene/loci or organism.

Heterozygote

Different alleles between homologous chromosomes at each gene/loci or organism.

Homologous

Same genes, different alleles.

Similar, but not identical.

Locus Loci

Location of a gene.

Alleles

Wildtype

Most common

Mutant Variant

Rare alleles / variations in genes.

Karyotype

Visualization of genes in a cell.

Arrested and visualized in metaphase.

Has homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids.

Centrosomes

Microtubule organizing centers

Tetrads Bivalents

2 centromeres

Pairs of homologous chromosomes.

Recombination

Occurs during prophase I.

Independent Assortment

Occurs during metaphase I / anaphase I.