1. Meiosis

2. What is Meiosis?
Meiosis is a process of cell division that creates sex cells (gametes).
The sex cells are the ones that combine to form a new organism.
Meiosis is a type of copying process that is different than Mitosis.

3. How is it different?
Mitosis is the process of cell division used by almost ALL cells. It makes an exact copy of the parent cell.
Meiosis is a process of cell division used only to create sex cells. It makes a “half-copy” of the parent cell.

4. What are the steps of Meiosis
The first stage is duplication.
an exact copy of each chromosome is made.

5. We now have two homologous chromosomes made up of two chromatids each.
These homologous chromosome pairs line up along the center of the cell.

6. Separation of the homologous pairs then occurs…
And the first cytokinesis (separation of the cells) occurs.

7. Now each new cell contains one member of each homologous pair.
No more copying occurs, the chromosomes line up at the center of the cell

8. The chromatids of each chromosome pull apart (just like in mitosis) and move to opposite sides of the cell.
We then have the second cytokinesis (cell division)

9. The result is FOUR new cells!
Each cell has HALF the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

10. Why do they have only half?
When you combine the mom’s half cell with the dad’s half cell, you end up with a cell with the correct number of chromosomes for the offspring. + =