What is Meiosis?
As an important component in the process of sexual reproduction, meiosis is the means by which one cell divides into four different cells. Here are some details on the process of meiosis and why meiosis is necessary in order to ensure reproduction. Meiosis takes its name from the Greek word meioun, which is translated to mean to make something smaller. In effect, that is what happens when meiosis occurs. A diploid eukaryotic cell will begin a process of dividing into four more or less equal portions, referred to as haploid cells. Generally referred to as gametes, the number of chromosomes contained in each of the gametes created from diploids is reduced from the parent diploid cell. Chromosomes contain the basic DNA chain that will determine the physical characteristics of the child in the event that a pregnancy takes place. During the process of meiosis, the genome of the diploids begins to undergo two distinct rounds of division that ultimately result in the four haploid cells. Each
Meiosis produces daughter cells that have one half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. 2N N Meiosis enables organisms to reproduce sexually. Gametes (sperm and eggs) are haploid. Meiosis involves two divisions producing a total of four daughter cells. Click here to go to the chapter on meiosis.
