Meiosis

Meiosis is responsible for the gametes used in reproduction. Meiosis is the process in which two haploid cells are produced form a diploid cell.  Mitosis results in two diploid daughter cells. Meiosis results in 4 haploid daughter cells. During interphase the chromosomes duplicate, called sister chromatids and the centrioles develop. During prophase the Sister chromatids are connected by centromeres. Homologous chromatids line up next to each other and crossing over occurs increasing genetic diversity.  Centrioles move to opposite ends of the cell. during metaphase 1 spindle fibers attached to either of the aligned sister chromatid’s centromere. During anaphase 1 these fibers pull the chromatids to either end of the cell. Telophase 1 &  cytokinesis 1 – Nuclear envelope reforms and cells separate via cleavage furrow. first cycle ends in two genetically different diploid cells. Round two differs in that the chromosomes do not duplicate and in metaphase 2 the sister chromatids are split evenly into either cell resulting in 4 genetically diverse haploid cells after telophase 2. Haploid cell will turn into sperm or egg depending on sex. These cells contain half the genetic material/chromosomes needed to create another generation. No gamete is identical.

This video helps me understand Meiosis better by providing a visual animation showing the process in motion. The narrator is explaining what is happening in the video. Instead of a static image of the phases in a textbook I can watch a virtualization of the actual process and see where the chromosomes duplicate and how they line up and split off during meiosis and this video even shows how it differs from mitosis’s process. It helps me understand the processes in motion.

I like printing out the PPT before class so that I can fill add notes and expand on them. This way I’m not just trying to copy down the slides and churn out notes, but actually trying to understand the content and what the professor is saying. If slides aren’t available, then I like breaking my notes up into sections based on content or topic. One note allows me to have a notebook for each class and a different tab/section devoted to different topics or chapters. You can also add images, videos, or sound to your notes in one-note. I like that I can make tables or find an image online to add to my notes. I can record a lecture and add it right into the notes! Developing your own style for note taking is essential! There are many styles of note taking and each style can be helpful depending on how you need your notes to function for different classes. The column style of Cornell’s question/ answer folding style can be very helpful during reviews; make two columns, on one side a topic posed as question and in the other column right the answer. If your course is heavy in keywords and terms you may find it useful to make that a cornerstone of your note taking for that class by adopting the keyword style. Keyword style is very similar to Cornell’s method, but add a column for expansion on a keyword. I find Mind mapping more useful in review to check your retention and understanding tan as an original way to take notes as it takes up a lot of space. You essentially make bubbles of ideas and connect related bubble content.

Creating and maintaining an online social life with other students taking the same online course as you can make or break your success in the course. Some tips for creating these relationships are:

First impressions- As always first impressions are very important. some ways to create a good first impression in the digital world are to check your spelling and grammar. Avoid using inappropriate language/ jokes and slang. Also avoid using all CAPS as they come off as confrontational.  These mistakes can keep classmates from wanting to work with you.

Adding tone and personal touches. Connecting online- Treat online communications the same as face to face encounters Be polite and show interest in the other person. “How is your day going?”, “Do you understand the assignment?”.  If something makes you smile try using emoticons to help convey feeling when appropriate. Keep emoticons out of professional discourse. Be as clear as you can to avoid miscommunications. If you attached something in an email clearly state that you did. Check for and communicate understanding. roger roger.

Emails- When communicating with someone or a group make sure you double check who you are sending to.  Gain an understanding of how Listserves work so that you don’t respond to a group when you are trying to send to an individual and vise versa. Include any additional contact information you would like your contact to have.

Keep organized and stay on top of your course work. Motivation can wane and wax during the semester but you need to keep an eye on your long term goals and make daily decisions about what you want in your life. You need to stay focused so that your present doesn’t affect your future negatively.

Getting to know your online peers and instructors can lead to lifelong friendships and form great support networks for your academic career. The feedback you get can be very valuable and insightful.