Meiosis the Movie Lab report

Synopsis: During the meiosis movie, the focus of the lab was to make a video showing the stages of meiosis 1 and 2. We used IMovie to edit our video. Here is a link of the assignment:
https://bcp.instructure.com/courses/1384/files/201663/download?wrap=1

youtube video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtube_gdata_player&v=MCOlOMVeYrs

• What is the function of meiosis?

There are many functions to mitosis, but one of the main functions is genetic diversity. People need to be different and adapt to avoid deadly illnesses, weaknesses, and to have an advantage over other organisms. Another function is to repair a damaged genetic line. For example, if Generation A was dying to a virus, Generation B or C could develop an immunity and let the species live longer.

• What events promote genetic variation during meiosis?

One event that promotes genetic variation is crossing over during metaphase. The chromosomes share genetic material which gets passed on and changes genes. Mutation also causes genetic variation and changes the chromosomes. 

• What causes non-disjunction?

Non-disjunction is the failure of separation of homologous chromosomes during cell division. This happens when going into anaphase, the chromosomes never split up. This can end up causing down syndrome and other harmful genetic disorders. Normally there is a checkpoint making sure that all of the chromosomes are in working order before going to the next stage, but failure of this system can cause non-disjunction.

• Panda Bears have 42 chromosomes compared to the 74 chromosomes found in most bears. How could this occur? Explain in terms of non-disjunction.

This could have occurred because of a mutation, or because the Panda Bears require less genetic material. This could also mean that way back in the past, there was a massive checkpoint failure that allowed massive non-disjunction, leaving the bears with less chromosomes. Another explanation is that somewhere along the line there was a non-disjunction that actually improved the bears.

• This lesson could be improved by including more about non-disjunction in the lesson. The response talks all about it, but it was barely mentioned in the actually activity.