Meiosis:

• Each human cell contains 46 chromosomes. When two gametes fuse the resulting
zygote must contain 46 chromosomes.

• When a human cell divides by meiosis, four cells, each containing 23

chromosomes, are formed.

• Meiosis occurs in the reproductive organs, the testes and ovaries, where gametes
are produced.

• On fusion of the two haploid gametes, the diploid or original number of

chromosomes is restored.

• A cell with the full species chromosome number is called a diploid cell.

• A haploid cell has half the species chromosome number.

• Gametes, male and female, are formed when cells in the reproductive organs
divide by meiosis. They are haploid cells.

• Gametes are all different from each other and the parent cells.

• During meiosis, homologous chromosomes come together and crossing over

occurs, whereby genetic information is exchanged.

• Each gamete of the millions produced is unique and so each organism produced
by their fusion is unique.

• Inheritable genetic characteristics are transmitted from the parents to the

offspring by the gametes.

• The resulting offspring are all different to or vary from each other and to their
parents.

• This variation can be important if the environment changes, as those organism

better adapted will survive.

• This variation can lead to evolution.