Cell Division

Meiosis

Definition
Cell division by which eggs and sperm
are produced.
The production of sex cells, which are
not genetically identical, through a
series of cell divisions.

Ensures that humans have the

same number of chromosomes in
each generation.

It is a two-step process that reduces

the chromosome number by halffrom
46 to 23to form sperm and egg cells.
This is a reduction in genetic material.

When the sperm and egg cells

join at fertilization, each
contributes 23 chromosomes so
the resulting embryo will have the
usual 46.

Meiosis also allows genetic

variation through a process of
DNA shuffling while the cells are
dividing.

Meiosis
TWO divisions
ONE DNA replication

Meiosis
Interphase: Before meiosis begins, genetic material
is duplicated.
First division of meiosis
Prophase 1: Duplicated chromatin condenses. Each
chromosome consists of two, closely associated sister
chromatids. Crossing over can occur during the latter part of
this stage.
Metaphase 1: Homologous chromosomes align at the
equatorial plate.
Anaphase 1: Homologous pairs separate with sister
chromatids remaining together.
Telophase 1: Two daughter cells are formed with each
daughter containing only one chromosome of the
homologous pair.

Meiosis
Second division of meiosis: Gamete formation
Prophase 2: DNA does not replicate.
Metaphase 2: Chromosomes align at the equatorial plate.
Anaphase 2: Centromeres divide and sister chromatids
migrate separately to each pole.
Telophase 2: Cell division is complete. Four haploid
daughter cells are obtained.

One parent cell produces four daughter cells.

Daughter cells have half the number of chromosomes
found in the original parent cell and with crossing
over, are genetically different.

http://www.palaeos.com/

Crossing Over
Where a section of one chromosome
switches places with the same section
from the other chromosome of the pair.
Recombination

http://www.accessexcellence.org

http://post.queensu.ca/

Animation
http://www.johnkyrk.com/meiosis.h
tml

Animation
http://www.csuchico.edu/~jbell/Bio
l207/animations/meiosis.html