Meiosis: Creating Genetic Diversity

Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division that produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Definition: Meiosis is the process of cell division that results in four haploid daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Key features of meiosis include:

• Non-identical daughter cells
• Two divisions
• Results in four haploid (23 chromosomes) daughter cells
• Occurs in the formation of gametes for sexual reproduction
• Leads to genetic variation

Example: In humans, meiosis produces sperm cells in males and egg cells in females, each containing 23 chromosomes instead of the usual 46.

The process of meiosis involves chromosomes copying themselves and attaching to one another, followed by two rounds of cell division. This results in four genetically diverse daughter cells, which is crucial for the genetic variation observed in sexually reproducing organisms.

Highlight: The main difference between mitosis and meiosis is that mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis produces four genetically diverse haploid cells.