Meiosis

Meiosis is the cell division which occurs only in reproductive organs during gamete formation, and
results in the formation of cells containing half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Half the
number of chromosomes is the haploid or n number.

Meiosis is important to maintain the chromosome number. Since 23 from the egg and 23 from the
sperm restores the chromosome number to 46.
Meiosis ensures that

- Each daughter cell has the haploid number of chromosomes so that the diploid number can be
restored after fertilization
- Each daughter cell has a different combination of genes which leads to variation among the
offspring

The process of meiosis

How meiosis maintains variation

Variation results from the following –

1. Crossing over between homologous pairs of chromosomes in prophase I.

2. During metaphase I pairs of chromosomes align themselves randomly along the equator.
3. During metaphase II the chromosomes align themselves randomly along the equator.

Difference between mitosis and meiosis

Questions

1. Lab – To make models of the stages of meiosis.

2. Worksheet -
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b6/bc/d8/b6bcd8982bbf4e628e6b4bd93f70897c.png
3. Answers to worksheet - https://img.yumpu.com/34875404/1/500x640/phases-of-meiosis-
fulton-county-schools.jpg