Section: STEM · BiologyDifficulty: Medium
Meiosis
USUK
Cell division producing four genetically unique haploid cells for sexual reproduction.
Also: reduction division
Definition
Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that produces four genetically unique haploid cells (gametes) from a single diploid parent cell. It involves two rounds of division (meiosis I and II) and includes crossing over, where homologous chromosomes exchange segments, generating genetic diversity. Meiosis is the basis of sexual reproduction and is responsible for the heritable variation seen in offspring.
Example
“In human males, meiosis in the testes produces sperm cells each with 23 chromosomes (half the normal 46), and because crossing over shuffles genetic material, every sperm is genetically unique.”
Synonyms
- reductive division
- gamete formation
- sexual cell division
Antonyms / Opposites
- mitosis
- asexual reproduction
Images
CC-licensed · free to useLoading images…
Video
Related Terms
- Mitosis
- Cell Division
- Gamete
- Chromosome