MEIOSISMEIOSISCell Division

Necessity for Trait Inheritance in offspring for Continuation:

Specific characteristic that varies from one individual to another

• Because they are uniquely adapted to enable survival in the environment.

Transmission of traits from one generation to another generation by means of genetic codes

A cell with 2 sets of chromosomes is referred to as

diploid (2n). Somatic cells are diploid.

A cell with a single set of chromosomes is referred to

as haploid (n).

Gametes are haploid.

Necessity to maintain diploiddiploid chromosomal number and

production of haploidhaploid gametes in sexual reproduction

2n

Human somatic cell has46 chromosomes

23 pairs of homologous

chromosomes

nn

ovum

sperm

2n

Fertilisation

Zygote

Human gametes

Meiosis is the process of nuclear division that reduces the number of chromosomes

in new cells to half the number of chromosomes in the parent cell.

Meiosis produces reproductive cells

(gametes)

Sperm &

Ovum

Pollen grains & Egg cells

MEIOSIS I MEIOSIS II

• Prophase I

• Metaphase I

• Anaphase I

• Telophase I

• Prophase II

• Metaphase II

• Anaphase II

• Telophase II

Prophase I

Prophase I

Crossing over

Metaphase I

Anaphase I

Telophase I

Prophase II

metaphase II

anaphase II

telophase II

4 Daughter Cells

Meiosis I Meiosis II

Meiosis I Meiosis II

Meiosis I Meiosis II

Mitosis Meiosis

Mitosis Meiosis