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uncoil and assume their extended form during interphase. A nuclear membrane then forms around each
chromosome group and the spindle microtubules disappear. Soon, the nucleolus reforms.
Meiosis — reduces the amount of genetic information. While mitosis in diploid cells produces
daughter cells with a full diploid complement, meiosis produces haploid gametes or spores with only
one set of chromosomes. During sexual reproduction, gametes combine in fertilization to reconstitute
the diploid complement found in parental cells. The process involves two successive divisions of a
diploid nucleus.
The first meiotic division results in reducing the number of chromosomes (reduction division). In
most cases, the division is accompanied by cytokinesis.
Prophase I—has been subdivided into five substages: leptonema, zygonema, pachynema, diplonema, and
diakinesis.
• Leptonema—Replicated chromosomes have coiled and are already visible. The number of
chromosomes present is the same as the number in the diploid cell.
• Zygonema—Homologue chromosomes begin to pair and twist around each other in a highly specific
manner. The pairing is called synapsis. And because the pair consists of four chromatids it is
referred to as bivalent tetrad.
• Pachynema—Chromosomes become much shorter and thicker. A form of physical exchange between
homologues takes place at specific regions. The process of physical exchange of a chromosome
region is called crossing-over. Through the mechanism of crossing-over, the parts of the
homologous chromosomes are recombined (genetic recombination).
• Diplonema—The two pairs of sister chromatids begin to separate from each other. It is at this point
where crossing-over is shown to have taken place. The area of contact between two non-sister
chromatids, called chiasma, become evident.
• Diakinesis—The four chromatids of each tetrad are even more condensed and the chiasma often
terminalize or move down the chromatids to the ends. This delays the separation of homologous
chromosomes.
In addition, the nucleoli disappear, and the nuclear membrane begins to break down.
Metaphase I—The spindle apparatus is completely formed and the microtubules are attached to the
centromere regions of the homologues. The synapsed tetrads are found aligned at the metaphase plate (the
equatorial plane of the cell) instead of only replicated chromosomes.
Anaphase I—Chromosomes in each tetrad separate and migrate toward the opposite poles. The sister
chromatids (dyads) remain attached at their respective centromere regions.
Telophase I—The dyads complete their migration to the poles. New nuclear membranes may form. In most
species, cytokinesis follows, producing two daughter cells. Each has a nucleus containing only one set of
chromosomes (haploid level) in a replicated form.
The events in the second meiotic division are quite similar to mitotic division. The difference lies,
however, in the number of chromosomes that each daughter cell receives. While the original chromosome
number is maintained in mitosis, the number is reduced to half in meiosis.
Anaphase II—The sister chromatids (monads) move away from each other and migrate to the opposite
poles of the spindle fiber.
Telophase II—The monads are at the poles, forming two groups of chromosomes. A nuclear membrane
forms around each set of chromosomes and cytokinesis follows. The chromosomes uncoil and extend.
Directions: Read carefully and choose the letter that best corresponds to your answer. Write the letter in the
blank provided before the number.
_D__2. All the following statements are correct for mitosis and meiosis except
a. Mitosis facilitates growth and tissue repair.
b. Meiosis is associated with asexual reproduction.
c. All the events distinctive to meiosis occur during meiosis I.
d. In mitosis, chromosomes line up in the equatorial plate in metaphase.
_C__5. Which of the following best explains why meiosis results in greater genetic diversity than mitosis?
a. During meiosis, more daughter cells are produced which increases the likelihood that fertilization will occur.
b. After meiosis, haploid daughter cells are fertilized which doubles their number of chromosomes and increase
the number of possible genes.
c. After meiosis, daughter cells are diploid and have twice as much as genetic material which can be divided in
many more possible combinations.
d. During meiosis, chromosomes assort themselves independently of each other, which allows for more
different possible combinations of chromosomes.
Think about this: Please read the question below and answer this on the space below. (10 pts)
Question: What do think will happen if Meiosis goes wrong?
Answer here -
Errors in meiosis can result in the incorrect amount of chromosomes ending up in germ
cells, a condition known as aneuploidy. This can cause miscarriage, however it is
sometimes tolerated. Meiosis goes wrong when the number of chromosomes may either
have an extra or lacking of chromosome which results to chromosal abnormalities
which includes Patau syndrome, or trisomy 13, which results from three copies of
chromosome 13, Down syndrome is a condition known as aneuploidy, or trisomy 21.
Down syndrome is due to an extra copy of chromosome 21, and Klinefelter
syndrome occurs when males have an extra X chromosome. Each of these syndroms
have their own distinct health conditions.
5
References:
1. Raven, P. a. (2001). Biology 6th Ed. The McGraw Hill Company, USA
2. Reece, J. B. (2013). Campbell Biology, 10th Ed. Pearson Education, Inc. United States of America.
This worksheet is exclusive for DepEd Digos City use only. We welcome any comment for the improvement of
this material. Please email to luzminda.jasmin@deped.gov.ph for your suggestions.
Prepared by:
ELIKA FAYE M. ALFONSO
Special Science Teacher 1
Matti National High School