International Journal of Environmental & Science Education
By Yakışan, Mehmet
“Are the Genetic Materials of Gametes and Somatic Cells Different? The Conceptions of Pre-Service Teachers”
Publisher: ISER
4/11
Pp. 409-420
2016
Are the Genetic Materials of Gametes and Somatic Cells Different? The Conceptions of Pre-Service Teachers
Type: Empirical
Data collection method: Interview, Test
Number of subjects, range: Large — 31 or more
Grade and age of subjects: Adult — over 18 years

 

Autosome and genosomes

  • X and Y chromosomes are not found in somatic cells.
  • There are only ‘X’ and ‘Y’ chromosomes in gametes.
  • A male is formed by the combination of only ‘X’ and ‘Y’, a female is formed by combination of only ‘X’ and ‘X’ chromosomes.
  • While there are ‘XY’ or ‘XX’ chromosomes in gametes, there are 44 chromosomes in somatic cells.
  • While there are ‘XY’ or ‘XX’ chromosomes in gametes, there are 44 chromosomes in somatic cells.
  • In gametes ‘XX’ or ‘XY’ chromosomes are found together with their homologous.

Chromosome and genetic diversity

  • Gonosomes (chromosomes related with gender) are in passive form in somatic cells.
  • While there is genetic diversity in gametes, there is no genetic diversity in somatic cells.
  • Genes are found in gametes, there are no genes in somatic cells.
  • While homologous chromosomes are found only in gametes, they don’t exist in somatic cells.

Haploid- Diploid concept

  • Gametes are (2n) diploid, somatic cells are (n) haploid.
  • Somatic cells may be both haploid (n) and diploid (2n).
  • Gametes and somatic cells are (2n) diploid.
  • Gametes form gametogonium and they may have meiosis division as they are diploid (2n).