Meiosis (Part 2)

Meiosis

The cell division that occurs in reproductive organs to produce gametes that contain half the number of chromosomes of the parent cells

Synapsis

The pairing of homologous chromosomes

Bivalent

Comprises of four chromatids for each homologous chromosomes

Crossing over

The process of exchange of genetic material between non-identical chromatids that produces combination of genes that are new in chromosomes

Chiasma

The point where the chromatids cross over

The need for meiosis (1)

Meiosis forms gametes through the process of gametogenesis

The need for meiosis (2)

Meiosis ensures that the diploid chromosome number of organisms that carry out sex reproduction is always maintained from one generation to the next

The need for meiosis (3)

Meiosis also produces genetic variation in the same species

Stages of meiosis

Meiosis is divided into two stages of cell division, that is meiosis I and meiosis II

Meiosis I

Comprises of prophase I, metaphase I, anaphase Iand telophase I