REDUCTION DIVISION Meaning and
Definition
-
Reduction division, also known as meiosis, is a type of cell division that occurs in sexually reproducing organisms. It involves the division of the nucleus, resulting in the formation of gametes (sex cells) with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. The process of reduction division plays a crucial role in maintaining the genetic stability and diversity of a species.
During reduction division, the DNA of the parent cell undergoes replication, followed by two rounds of division. The first division, called meiosis I, separates the homologous pairs of chromosomes, resulting in two daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. The second division, known as meiosis II, separates the sister chromatids of each chromosome, resulting in four haploid daughter cells.
The purpose of reduction division is to produce gametes with a haploid number of chromosomes that can combine during fertilization to restore the diploid number of chromosomes in the zygote. This process enables genetic variation, as each gamete contains a unique combination of genetic material from the parent cells. It is important for the survival and adaptability of a species as it provides the basis for genetic diversity and allows for the formation of different traits and characteristics in offspring.
-
Reduction of the chromosomes; the stage in maturation in which the number of chromosomes is reduced one-half.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for REDUCTION DIVISION
- eeduction division
- deduction division
- feduction division
- teduction division
- 5eduction division
- 4eduction division
- rwduction division
- rsduction division
- rdduction division
- rrduction division
- r4duction division
- r3duction division
- resuction division
- rexuction division
- recuction division
- refuction division
- reruction division
- reeuction division
- redyction division
Etymology of REDUCTION DIVISION
The word "reduction division" has its etymology rooted in the field of biology, specifically in reference to the process of cell division known as "meiosis".
The term "reduction" refers to the step in meiosis where the genetic material is reduced by half, resulting in the formation of germ cells or gametes (such as eggs or sperm) with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
"Division" refers to the actual splitting or dividing of the cell into two daughter cells during the process of meiosis.
Therefore, the phrase "reduction division" is used to describe the specific type of cell division involved in meiosis, distinguishing it from other types of cell division, such as mitosis, where the number of chromosomes is maintained.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
