Meiosis

Nurul amanina bt naushad

4 Intan
Smk (p) st george

Importance of Meiosis
Meiosis is the cell division in the reproductive organs
that produces four daughter cells (eg:gametes)
Each gamete contains half the number of chromosomes
(haploid) compared to the parent cell (diploid)
Fusion of gametes during fertilisation maintains the
diploid number in generation
Daughter cells are genetically different from the parent
cells and from each other. This leads to variation in
organisms

Meiosis Involves Two Cycles of Nuclear

Division
Meiosis I
The number of chromosomes is reduced to half the number of
chromosomes of the parent cell. Two haploid daughter cells
are produced.
Prophase I

Chromosomes thicken and shorten to form chromatids.

i) Homologous chromosomes undergo synapsis and form
a bivalents or tetrads.
ii) Crossing over (the exchange of genetic material)
occurs at the chiasmata.
iii) The nuclear membrane and nucleolus disappear.
iv) The centriole replicates and spindle fibers are formed.

 Metaphase I

The homologous chromosomes assemble on the equator of

the spindle.
Anaphase I

Spindle fibers contract and pull the chromosomes to the

opposite poles. Homologous chromosomes separate.
Telophase I and cytokinesis

Two haploid cells are produced.

Meiosis II
The haploid cells divide to form four daughter cells called
gametes. (similar to mitosis)
Prophase II

Synapse and crossing over do not occur.

Metaphase II

Chromatids align at the equator

 Anaphase II

Spindle fibers contract and pull the chromatids to opposite

poles. The chromatids separate.
Telophase II and cytokinesis

Four haploid daughter cells are formed

Differences between mitosis and meiosis

Without mitosis, cells of multicellular organisms cannot
grow. Worn out cells cannot be repaired and damaged
cells cannot be replaced.
Without meiosis, multicellular organisms cannot
reproduce and this can lead to the extinction of species.
The differences between mitosis and meiosis are shown
below
MITOSIS
For growth and
repair of damaged
tissues
One
Two

Diploid

Does not happen

ASPECTS
Purpose

MEIOSIS
Sexual
reproduction

Number of nuclear
divisions
Number of
daughter cells
produced
Number of
chromosomes in
daughter cells
Synapsis and
crossing over

Two
Four

Haploid

Takes place in
PROPHASE I