Meiosis
/maɪˈəʊsɪs/noun
A kind of cell division which produces four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.
Through meiosis, organisms like humans are able to reproduce sexually.
Often appears as...
- meiotic division
- meiosis i
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Cellular Reproduction
Meiosis is crucial for sexual reproduction in many organisms, including humans, plants, and fungi.
Every human began as a single cell, which was the result of meiosis.
Pro Tip 2/3Half Chromosomes
In meiosis, the chromosome number is halved, which is essential for maintaining the species' chromosome count across generations.
In biology class, we learned how meiosis creates sperm and egg cells with half the usual number of chromosomes.
Pro Tip 3/3Two Rounds
Meiosis involves two divisions, creatively named Meiosis I and Meiosis II, each contributing to genetic diversity.
Meiosis II follows Meiosis I to complete the process of gamete formation.
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