Meiosis Wrapped Up

Words by Arthur W. Siebens, Ph.D., Copyright 1999
Performed by Sean Cunningham

Keeping track of genes is one of nature's wonders
That's why you've got chromosomes-to avoid major blunders
Cell duplication's impressive, it's called mitosis
But you ain't seen nothin' 'til you've seen meiosis
Remember eggs and sperm are called gametes
Want to know how they're made? You're in for a treat!
Now meiosis takes eight steps instead of just four
'Cause there's two cell divisions (1) we're about to explore
In prophase I a unique event happens
Homologous chromosomes join-its called synapsis (2)
Yes, when tetrads form, DNA can be swapped
So genes from Mom's chromosome are now on Pop's
This crossing over increases recombination
So there's no one like you in all the United Nations!
Chromosomes then line up in metaphase I
But what's important in anaphase (I) is what's not undone
That's the centromere, which remains unbroken
Homologous chromosomes move apart (3)-the products will be 1N (haploid).
So the chromosome number's down to 23
'Course that assumes you're a human like me
But each chromosome's got two chromatids
Which just won't work when making kids
So after telophase I and interphase II
The cell divides again--similar phase names are used
So there's prophase (II) and metaphase (II) and anaphase (II)
In anaphase II the centromere finally breaks (4),*
So each sperm or egg gets only one copy
Of 23 chromosomes (5)-can't afford to be sloppy
So after telophase II and cytokinesis
Meiosis is through and this little rap ceases.

1,2,3,4,5 Key differences between meiosis and mitosis.
* Chromatids are called chromosomes after the centromere breaks.

Hear it again - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGPHvfNRIyE

Category:

Education

Tags:

• mr
• sean
• cunningham
• meiosis
• cell
• division
• biology

[Laurenroxicus]

This is fantastic xD

[n64kid02]

msballah



[WHIREAS]

This was awesome!

[TheHesterprynne68]

Just what I need for my Bio CSET Saturday. Not too much or too little info, funny rhymes...looked and looked and this is a keeper thanks!!!!!!!

[sq1cool87]

The was awesome - I think my students are going to love it

[GorgeousDivaGirl]

Godddd!!! It Really helped me with my study :) thx for writing and Sharing such an awesome Song x)

[stevenoel69]

the beginning sounds exactly like "brush fire fairy tales", by jack johnson. No worries though, sounds great!

[MeLadyPeach]

this saved my A** on my Hbio test dude thx so mutch for being good at the guitar lol

[mdb305]

Very Awesome!

[ZombieUnderscore]

Bahahaha, awesome! Thumbs up!