A different kind of cellular division Why Meiosis?? A different kind of cellular division
Meiosis
Meiosis – cell division to produce gametes (sex cells) Female gamete = egg cells Male gamete = sperm cells
How are gamete cells different from somatic cells? Gametes are haploid cells with half the genetic material (1n). Somatic cells are diploid (2n)
How to get half… In meiosis cells divide two times, but the chromosomes only replicate once. This results in four haploid cells with ½ the DNA.
Meiosis: 2 cell divisions
Why do you need half? Gametes join (fertilization) to make the next generation (offspring). 1n sperm + 1n egg = 2n somatic body cell Mitosis brings that first cell through growth and development to an embryo, infant, child…etc.
Meiosis Video Cornell Summary