Self Assessment Answer # 2 for Lesson 5

by Dr Jamie Love © 2002 - 2005
Genetics Course

All the chromosomes in meiosis I develop only one kinetochore each. (In mitosis each chromosome develops two kinetochores.) So chromosomes in meiosis I have only one point of attachment to the spindle fibers and that means each chromosome can only be pulled towards one centrosome.

However, the chiasmata created in prophase I "lock" both chromosomes in the tetrad together like a single unit. Therefore, the two kinetochores, one on each chromosome, can pull in their "tug-of-war" just like in mitosis. That allows the chromosomes to line up between the centrosomes, as in mitosis, but in tetrads.

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Dr Jamie Love, the producer of these Genetics lessons, has written several self-study science courses specifically designed for home schoolers and other distance learners. These courses are "hypertextbooks" - delivered over the internet and read on your computer, just like web pages. To organize and distribute these hypertextbooks, Jamie created Merlin's Science Academy - a (non-accredited) "virtual school". Merlin's Science Academy sells self-paced, self-learning hypertextbooks that teach Alchemy (actually, Chemistry ), Astronomy and Genetics in a fun and unique way. Each course has computerized exams, unique features and a style best suited for teaching the subject. Principles of Alchemy (Chemistry) is for younger students (up to highschool), while Principles of Astronomy is for more advanced students (hobbyists & first-year university), and Principles of Genetics is most suitable for very advanced students (at university). However, every student is different and it would not be fair to generalize. So, visit Merlin's Science Academy where you can learn more about the courses, request free samples of each course (to download onto your computer) and enjoy the free online samples.

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