meiosis
1 of 1noun/maɪˈoʊsɪs/
Forms:meioses
1
a type of cell division that creates reproductive cells with half the usual number of chromosomes
- Meiosis ensures genetic diversity by creating haploid cells with unique combinations of chromosomes.
- The process of meiosis involves two consecutive divisions, resulting in four non-identical haploid cells.
- In humans, meiosis occurs in the cells that give rise to eggs and sperm, leading to the production of genetically diverse offspring.
- Meiosis helps maintain a stable chromosome number across generations by halving the number of chromosomes in gametes.
- The phases of meiosis include prophase I, metaphase I, anaphase I, telophase I, prophase II, metaphase II, anaphase II, and telophase II.
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