MEIOSES Meaning and
Definition
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Meioses, in biology, refers to a type of cell division that occurs in sexually reproducing organisms, resulting in the formation of gametes (reproductive cells) with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. It is a crucial process for maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring the correct distribution of genetic material during reproduction.
During meiosis, a single diploid (containing two complete sets of chromosomes) parent cell undergoes two rounds of division, resulting in the formation of four haploid (containing one complete set of chromosomes) daughter cells. These daughter cells, known as gametes, are genetically distinct from each other and from the parent cell, due to the crossing over and independent assortment of genetic material.
The two stages of meiosis, termed meiosis I and meiosis II, involve unique processes that contribute to genetic variation. Meiosis I includes the pairing of homologous chromosomes, crossing over (exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes), and separation of these homologous pairs into two daughter cells. In meiosis II, the sister chromatids of each chromosome separate, resulting in the formation of four genetically distinct daughter cells.
Meioses play a vital role in sexual reproduction, as the fusion of two haploid gametes with complementary genetic material (from two parent organisms) leads to the formation of a genetically diverse offspring. This process ensures the maintenance of species by introducing new combinations of genes into a population.
Common Misspellings for MEIOSES
- neioses
- keioses
- jeioses
- mwioses
- msioses
- mdioses
- mrioses
- m4ioses
- m3ioses
- meuoses
- mejoses
- mekoses
- meooses
- me9oses
- me8oses
- meiises
- meikses
- meilses
- meipses
- mei0ses
Etymology of MEIOSES
The word "meiosis" comes from the Greek term "meiōsis", meaning "a lessening" or "a reduction". The term was first used in biology by German scientist Oscar Hertwig in the late 19th century to refer to a process of reduction division of cells that occurs during sexual reproduction. In meiosis, a diploid cell divides twice to form four haploid cells, resulting in a reduction in the chromosome number by half. The term "meiosis" was chosen to describe this process because it involves a reduction in genetic material, distinguishing it from the more common process of cell division known as "mitosis".
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