Pre-Lab: Modeling Meiosis
Problem How does meiosis increase genetic variation?
Materials pop-it beads, magnetic centromeres, large sheet of paper, colored pencils, scissors
Lab Manual Chapter 11 Lab
Skills Use Models, Sequence, Draw Conclusions
Connect to the Inherited traits are passed from parents to offspring in the form of genes. Offspring produced by sexual reproduction receive one set of genes from each parent when the reproductive cells, or gametes, combine. Meiosis is the process by which gametes are produced. During meiosis, new combinations of genes form when genes cross over from one homologous chromosome to the other. Also, the sorting of chromatids among gametes is random. Both crossing-over and sorting lead to greater diversity in the genes of a population.
In this lab, you will model the steps of meiosis and track what happens to alleles as they move from diploid cells to haploid gametes.
Review What are alleles?
Sequence What happens during prophase I of meiosis? What happens during metaphase I? What happens during anaphase I?
Compare and Contrast In what ways does meiosis differ from mitosis?
Preview the procedure in the lab manual.
Control Variables Why must you use the same number of beads when you construct the second chromosome in Step 1?
Infer Why is the longer chromosome pair used to model crossing-over?
Calculate A diploid cell has two pairs of homologous chromosomes. How many different combinations of chromosomes could there be in the gametes?
Visit Chapter 11 online to test yourself on chapter content and to find activities to help you learn.
Untamed Science Video Travel back in time with the Untamed Science explorers as they prove Mendel was no pea brain!
Art in Motion View a short animation that brings the process of meiosis to life.
Art Review Review your understanding of multiple alleles, incomplete dominance, and other exceptions to Mendel's principles.
InterActive Art Build your understanding of Punnett squares with this animation.
Data Analysis Determine gene linkage and construct a gene map by examining the phenotypic frequencies of offspring.
Tutor Tube Tune into the tutor to review the connection between setting up Punnett squares and meiosis.