Meiosis Biology

Meiosis Meiosis is a two-stage form of nuclear division in which the chromosome number is halved. This creates gametes Gametes are reproductive cells- an egg or sperm

The first meiotic division reduces the number of chromosomes by half. Meiosis I

The second meiotic division separates identical copies of chromosomes. Meiosis II

Cell Division Meiosis is usually followed by cell division. http://www.cellsalive.com/meiosis.htm

Fertilization When two haploid gamete unite in fertilization, the resulting cell is diploid. It received one of each type of chromosome from the egg of the female parent and one of each type from the sperm of the male parent.

During the first division of meiosis , the two members of each chromosome pair move together and line up side by side. While paired together, the chromosome may exchange segments of DNA. Crossing Over

Crossing Over Continued The exchange of corresponding segments of DNA is called crossing-over. These new combinations of genes act as one source of variation within species. This sort of genetic variation is necessary for natural selection to occur.

What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis? Mitosis Vs. Meiosis