Biology/Biology
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Question
Eukaryotic cells can divide by mitosis or meiosis. In humans, mitosis produces new cells for growth and repair; meiosis produces sex cells (gametes) called sperm and eggs.
Although mutations are the ultimate source of genetic variability, both meiosis and sexual reproduction also can contribute to new genetic combinations in offspring.
Question: How do both meiosis and sexual reproduction (fertilization) produce offspring that differ genetically from the parents? Be sure to talk about steps in meiosis that increase variability as well as the process of fertilization.
Thanks for using AllExperts. The topic of genetic variability in sexually reproducing organisms is a fairly complex one, more so than I can adequately cover in this medium. To that end, I am going to suggest a number of websites that discuss meiosis at length. I have used these websites in the past to explain these topics, and people have found them to be very helpful. If you have additional questions, you may feel free to ask me; I suspect that these sources will address your question, however:
A very good tutorial with step-by-step descriptions:
http://www.biology.arizona.edu/CELL_BIO/tutorials/meiosis/main.html
See the section on genetic recombination:
http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/M/Meiosis.html#Genetic_Re...
http://biology.clc.uc.edu/Courses/bio104/meiosis.htm
Good luck.
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Answers by Expert:
John Locke
Expertise
I will answer all biology-related questions through the undergraduate level. I will explain unclear concepts and suggest approaches to solving problems, but would prefer not to completely solve homework problems for you. If you are completely stumped on homework, tell me what you already know and I will help you as much as possible. Please do not ask me for ideas on school research projects; part of research is determining a suitable area of investigation, and that's not a task that should be completed by someone else. Please don't simply send me your homework for solutions. If you are having difficulty after you have started an analysis, I will be happy to direct your thinking; in particular, I would prefer to not simply solve pedigrees for students, but I will be happy to assist in solving pedigrees that you have already started. If you don't understand how to analyze a pedigree, I'd highly recommend watching this video, in which a biology professor explains the basic concepts of pedigree analysis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbIHjsn5cHo
Experience
I have a BS in Bioengineering with a concentration in Chemical Engineering (which included a heavy focus on biology), and have taught biology, biochemistry, and related subjects for some time now.
Education/Credentials
BS Bioengineering, Penn State University
MCAT/DAT/OAT Instructor
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