Meiosis is a type of cell division during which a single cell divides twice and produces four daughter cells. These four daughter cells contain half the amount of genetic material and are known as our sex cells (gametes). Therefore, these four daughter cells are haploid as it consists of half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell. Gametes are sex cells in organisms, where sperm are found in males and eggs are found in females.
Meiosis Definition
Meiosis is defined as a type of cell division that explains the division of germ cells which includes two nucleus fissions. The two fissions of the nucleus namely meiosis 1 and meiosis 2, give rise to four sex cells called gametes. Each sex cell comprises half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell. This type of cell division occurs as part of reproduction one cell separates into four daughter cells which are haploid cells. The nucleus divides into four nuclei or daughter cells. Each produced cell contains a distinct mixture of chromosomes and half the genetic information of the parent cell. Meiosis contributes to two significant aspects of the sexual life cycle in eukaryotes. The first is the transformation from diploid to haploid state and the second is the line of new combinations of alleles. Meiosis takes place only in the germline.
Read More: Meiosis I: Reductional Cell Division
Meiosis Meaning
In biological terms, the term meiosis explains the process through which one diploid eukaryotic cell divides to give rise to four haploid daughter cells. These four haploid daughter cells are often known as gametes. The male gamete is known as sperm and the female gamete is known as egg. Meiosis is an important process for reproduction amongst living organisms and occurs in all eukaryotic organisms that sexually reproduce.
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