Why does the genetic composition of sex cells of an individual vary ?

In summary, meiosis is the process by which a eukaryotic cell separates the chromosomes in its cell nucleus into two identical sets, in two separate nuclei. This produces four haploid cells, which are genetically unique from each other.
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hivesaeed4
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Why does the genetic composition of sex cells of an individual vary since the genome of an individual is same throughout his/her body.
 
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  • #2
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiosis
 
  • #3
hivesaeed4 said:
Why does the genetic composition of sex cells of an individual vary since the genome of an individual is same throughout his/her body.
The genetic code in each somatic cell of a eukaryote organism is identical due to mitosis. This is cell division that reproduces the genetic code of a cell. Mitosis produces new cells with copies of each chromosome, one for one.
Germ-line cells produce gametes by meiosis. This is a type of cell division that shuffles the chromosomes, shuffles some of the genes in each chromosome, and produces new cells (gametes) with half the chromosomes and half the genes of the original germ-line cells.
Note that the term sex cell is ambiguous. The gametes are the haploid cells that fuse to form the zygote. Gametes can include both sperm cells and ova cells. The term germ-line cells is sometimes used for the diploid cells that produce the gametes through meiosis.

Here is a link to an article on meiosis.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiosis
“Meiosis

Whilst the process of meiosis bears a number of similarities with the 'life-cycle' cell division process of mitosis, it differs in two important respects:
the chromosomes in meiosis undergo a recombination which shuffles the genes producing a different genetic combination in each gamete, compared with the co-existence of each of the two separate pairs of each chromosome (one received from each parent) in each cell which results from mitosis.
the outcome of meiosis is four (genetically unique) haploid cells, compared with the two (genetically identical) diploid cells produced from mitosis.”

Here is a link to an article on mitosis.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitosis
“Mitosis

Mitosis is the process by which a eukaryotic cell separates the chromosomes in its cell nucleus into two identical sets, in two separate nuclei. It is generally followed immediately by cytokinesis, which divides the nuclei, cytoplasm, organelles and cell membrane into two cells containing roughly equal shares of these cellular components. [1] Mitosis and cytokinesis together define the mitotic (M) phase of the cell cycle—the division of the mother cell into two daughter cells, genetically identical to each other and to their parent cell. This accounts for approximately 10% of the cell cycle.”
 

1. Why do the sex cells of an individual have different genetic compositions?

The genetic composition of sex cells is different because of a process called meiosis. During meiosis, the chromosomes of the parent cell undergo recombination, resulting in a unique combination of genetic material in each sex cell.

2. How does the variation in genetic composition of sex cells affect offspring?

The variation in genetic composition of sex cells is essential for genetic diversity in offspring. It allows for the combination of different traits from both parents, increasing the chances of survival and adaptation to changing environments.

3. Can external factors influence the genetic composition of sex cells?

Yes, external factors such as radiation, toxins, and drugs can cause mutations in the genetic material of sex cells, leading to changes in the genetic composition. These changes can be passed on to offspring and may have significant impacts on their health and development.

4. How does the process of fertilization impact the genetic composition of offspring?

Fertilization combines the genetic material of two sex cells, resulting in a unique genetic composition in the offspring. This process further increases genetic diversity and can lead to new traits and characteristics not present in either parent.

5. Are there any genetic disorders that can be caused by variations in the genetic composition of sex cells?

Yes, genetic disorders can occur due to variations in the genetic composition of sex cells. These variations can be inherited and passed on to offspring, resulting in conditions such as Down syndrome, sickle cell anemia, and cystic fibrosis.

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