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Meiosis
Meiosis
:DEFINITION
A two-part cell division process in organisms that
sexually reproduce, which results in gametes
with one-half the number of chromosomes of the
parent cell.
The diploid (2n) parent cell is reduced to form
the haploid daughter cells (n).
Hence, also called the reduction division.
STAGES
Meiosis comprises two successive nuclear
divisions with only one round of DNA replication.
Four stages can be described for each nuclear
division. Meiosis I is the true reduction division.
MEIOSIS I
PROPHASE I: Duplicated chromatin condenses. Each
chromosome consists of 2 closely associated sister chromatids.
CROSSING OVER occurs during latter part of this stage.
METAPHASE I: Homologous chromosomes align at
the equatorial plate.
ANAPHASE I: Homologous pairs separate with sister
chromatids remaining together.
TELOPHASE I: 2 daughter cells are formed with each
daughter containing only 1 chromosome of the
homologous pair.
MEIOSIS II
PROPHASE II: DNA does not replicate.
METAPHASE II: Chromosomes align at the
equatorial plate.
ANAPHASE II: Centromeres divide and sister
chromatids migrate separately to each pole.
TELOPHASE II: Cell division is complete. Four
haploid daughter cells are obtained.
OVERVIEW
EXPLANATION
Meiosis comes after the G-2 phase when the
DNA replication (S phase) is already concluded
so the cells bear 2n and 4c at the beginning of
meiosis.
During the two-step meiotic division not only the
number of chromosomes and thus the amount of
DNA is reduced, but also DNA is exchanged
between the homolog chromosomes of the
original diploid cell.( crossing- over and
recombination)
PROPHASE I
Unique event- pairing of homologous
chromosomes
Linking of replicated homologous chromosomes
Results in formation of a TETRAD
Tetrad- composed of 2 chromatids from each
chromosome- a 4-strand structure.
It is further divided into 5 sub-stages: