4.03 Genetic Park: Meiosis

As we head out of the Animal Pavilion, we'll take a quick side trip to one of my favorite sections - the animal nursery!

After all our careful planning and studying of traits we'll finally get to see some results.

It looks like they are throwing a baby shower for one of the new arrivals. Let's go take a peek!

In this activity you will: recall that eggs and sperm are the result of meiosis, and that through meiosis these cells have half the number of chromosomes as the original cell compare and contrast the major differences between mitosis and meiosis recognize that meiosis increases genetic diversity identify some characteristics of Down Syndrome and recognize that it is a genetic disorder caused by an error in meiosis The Honors student will: recognize the stages of meiosis summarize the special events of prophase I of meiosis

Animal babies are adorable (any baby for that matter), and nothing beats the awe they inspire. Inside each of their cells are the stuff that makes them what they are - chromosomes/genes/DNA. Chromosomes, the blueprints of life, are large strands of DNA that typically contain more than a thousand genes. The genes, which are segments of DNA found on the chromosomes, are the drawings on the blueprints that call for you to have your mother's eyes and your father's chin, or for a piglet to have the same body shape or coloring of the parents.

Let's check on the babies' vitals before we move on.

It is hard to imagine that a simple plant can have over a thousand chromosomes inside the nucleus of every cell. More does not mean more complex. A plant can make its own food, but it can't ride a roller coaster!

Continue exploring Genetic Park by clicking the BioVenture tab.