Biology Worksheet
Sex Chromosomes & Sex Cells
Autosomes & Somatic Cells
name:
block:
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/ 10
1. Use the karyotype to define the word, “diploid.”
2. The word diploid can be used synonymously with 2n. Why is there a “2” in 2n?
Meiosis is a reduction division. It is the process that produces gametes (egg and sperm). Meiosis begins with a cell that is
2n (diploid) and separates the homologues into separate cells which are now n (haploid).
3. Which karyotype(s) correctly represent(s) a normal egg or sperm nucleus.
A
B
C
4. Explain why it is essential that this reduction division from 2n  n occur during the creation of gametes.
5. When an egg is fertilized by a sperm, the resulting zygote is 2n or diploid. Circle the chromosomes in the next karyotype
that can be found in the zygote.
Mitosis is a process that makes new, identical cells. (2n  2n). Mitosis is for the purposes of: growth, maintenance, repair
and asexual reproduction. Once an egg is fertilized, it will divide by mitosis millions of times to produce a baby.
6. Identify the karyotype that represents any somatic cell in the baby’s body.
A
B
C
Consider the questions that you have answered.
Mrs. Loyd 
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cloyd@waukee.k12.ia.us
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7/12/16
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7. Which kind(s) of cells contain X and/or Y, sex chromosomes?
egg cells
8.
body (somatic) cells
Which kind(s) of cells contain autosomes (all the chromosomes EXCEPT the sex chromosomes)?
egg cells
9.
sperm cells
sperm cells
body (somatic) cells
What is different about the chromosomes contained in a sex cell and those in a somatic cell?
10. Draw a Ven diagram to show sex chromosomes and sex cells, autosomes and somatic cells,
11. Do ALL of your somatic cells have ALL of your chromosomes? If so, how can your cells be different? (For example, how
can you have skin cells and liver cells and heart cells?)
Mrs. Loyd 
cloyd@waukee.k12.ia.us
Page 2 of 2
http://loydbiology.weebly.com
7/12/16
http://www.mybiology.com