2.6.3 Meiosis

Significance of Meiosis

results in formation of haploid cells

genetic variation

independent assortment in anaphase 1 and 2 means random distribution of genetic material

crossing over in prophase 1 shuffles alleles

Interphase

Prophase 1

Metaphase 1

Anaphase 1

Telophase 1

Prophase 2

Metaphase 2

Anaphase 2

Telophase 2

Cytokinesis (in animal cells)

Sammer Sheikh

haploid gametes needed for sexual reproduction; when fertilisation occurs normal chromosome number is maintained

homologous chromosomes: matching chromosomes containing the same genes at the same loci (place); may contain different alleles; 1 maternal and 1 paternal

haploid gametes undergo random fusion with a haploid gamete of a different organism