Definition
Meiosis is the formation of 4 genetically different cells from 1 cell. Cells in the reproductive organs divide by meiosis to form gametes. Gametes only have one copy of each chromosome.
Process
- A cell makes identical copies of it’s chromosomes so it has double the amount of genetic information (46 pairs).
- Similar chromosomes pair up.
- Sections of DNA get swapped
- The cell then divides forming 2 cells with half the amount of chromosomes (now the regular 23 pairs)
- These cells divide again producing 4 total cells (gametes) each with 23 chromosomes (not in pairs)