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08-13-2003, 09:48 PM | #1 |
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A question about meiosis
The gametes are haploid. (The sex cells carry half the chromosome compliment)
In all my books on bio, when they illustrate meiosis the parent cell is diploid. (Has the full chromosome compliment) IF the gametes are haploid how can the parent (gamete) cell be diploid if gametes are only haploid? Do gametes arise from non-gamete cells? |
08-13-2003, 10:15 PM | #2 |
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yes.
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08-13-2003, 10:53 PM | #3 |
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Its called "gametogenesis" (oogenesis and spermatogenesis for each of the sex cells). A diploid germ cell undergoes meiotic division followed by its final differentiation and maturation into a healthy young spermie or eggie.
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08-14-2003, 12:33 AM | #4 |
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Thanks
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08-14-2003, 01:52 AM | #5 | |
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Re: A question about meiosis
Quote:
As an aside, we are so used, as mammals, to things being diploid that we forget that it doesn't have to be that way. Mosses, for instance, have a lifecycle involving 'alternation of generations': at some phases the plant is diploid ('sporophyte'), at others it's haploid ('gametophyte'). After that it gets a little complicated... And IIRC, algae have a haploid lifecycle, not bothering with a diploid sporophyte phase at all... Cheers, Oolon |
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