Parasexual cycle
Parasexual Cycle
The Parasexual Cycle (pronunciation: /ˌpærəˈsɛksjʊəl ˈsaɪkəl/) is a non-sexual mechanism of genetic recombination that occurs in certain fungi, bacteria, and protozoa.
Etymology
The term "parasexual" is derived from the Greek word "para" meaning "beside" or "beyond", and the Latin word "sexualis" meaning "sex". The term "cycle" comes from the Greek word "kyklos" meaning "circle" or "wheel". Thus, the term "parasexual cycle" refers to a process that is beyond or beside the usual sexual cycle.
Definition
The parasexual cycle is a process of genetic recombination that does not involve the formation of gametes, fertilization, or meiosis. Instead, it involves the fusion of two haploid cells to form a diploid cell, followed by random mitotic segregation and chromosome loss to return to the haploid state. This process allows for the exchange of genetic material and the creation of new genetic combinations.
Related Terms
- Haploid: A cell or organism that has a single set of unpaired chromosomes.
- Diploid: A cell or organism that has two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.
- Mitosis: A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus.
- Meiosis: A type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes in a cell by half, resulting in four haploid cells.
- Gametes: The cells used during sexual reproduction to produce a new individual organism or zygote.
- Chromosome: A thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
- Genetic Recombination: The production of offspring with combinations of traits that differ from those found in either parent.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Parasexual cycle
- Wikipedia's article - Parasexual cycle
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