3.3.1
Meiosis
Role of Meiosis
Role of Meiosis
Meiosis is the process that produces haploid gamete cells from diploid cells. Meiosis is necessary for sexual reproduction to take place.


Sexual reproduction
Sexual reproduction
- Gametes are the sex cells (e.g. sperm cells and egg cells) that fuse together during sexual reproduction.
- Gametes are haploid (contain one chromosome).
- When the gametes fuse together, a new diploid organism (an organism with two copies of every chromosome) is formed.
- An individual inherits one copy of a chromosome from each parent.
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Producing gametes
Producing gametes
- Haploid gametes are produced from diploid cells in an organism.
- The gametes are produced in a process called meiosis.
- Meiosis involves two sequential cell divisions (meiosis I and meiosis II).


Genetic variation
Genetic variation
- Meiosis produces four genetically different daughter cells.
- Each daughter cell receives a different combination of chromosomes.
- Meiosis increases genetic diversity in this way.
Meiosis
Meiosis
Meiosis is the production of haploid gametes from diploid cells. The steps involved in this process are:


1) Interphase + prophase 1
1) Interphase + prophase 1
- Interphase:
- The chromosomes in the cells replicate to produce an identical copy of each other.
- The replicated chromosomes are called chromatids.
- Prophase 1:
- The chromatids condense to form a double-armed chromosome. Each arm is made from one chromatid and is joined by a centromere.
- Each arm is called a sister chromatid.


2) Metaphase 1
2) Metaphase 1
- Chromosomes in diploid organisms are found in homologous pairs (chromosomes with identical genes but different alleles).
- The chromosomes in a pair are arranged in the center of the cell.
- The chromosomes are moved by fibers called spindle fibers.


3) Anaphase 1 + telophase 1
3) Anaphase 1 + telophase 1
- Anaphase 1:
- The homologous chromosomes are separated and pulled to opposite ends of the cell by the spindle fibers.
- The separation of the chromosomes from each pair is random.
- Telophase 1:
- Random combinations of chromosomes are pulled to each side of the cell.


4) Cytokinesis (end of meiosis 1)
4) Cytokinesis (end of meiosis 1)
- As the homologous chromosomes are separated, the cell divides into two cells.
- One chromosome from a pair is separated into each cell.
- This division concludes meiosis 1.
- Meiosis 1 produces two genetically different cells.


5) Prophase 2 + metaphase 2
5) Prophase 2 + metaphase 2
- Prophase 2:
- The chromatids condense again.
- Metaphase 2:
- Chromosomes line up in the center of the cell.


6) Anaphase 2
6) Anaphase 2
- Anaphase 2:
- The sister chromatids are separated by the spindle fibers and pulled to opposite ends of the cell.
- The separation of the sister chromatids is random.


7) Telophase 2 + cytokinesis
7) Telophase 2 + cytokinesis
- As the sister chromatids are separated, the cell divides into two cells.
- One chromatid from a chromosome is separated into each cell.
- This division concludes meiosis 2.
- Meiosis 2 produces four genetically different haploid cells.
1Cell Biology
1.1Introduction to Cells
1.2Ultrastructure of Cells
1.3Membrane Structure
1.4Membrane Transport
1.5The Origin of Cells
2Molecular Biology
2.1Water
2.2Carbohydrates & Lipids
2.3Proteins
2.4Enzymes
2.5Structure of DNA & RNA
2.6DNA Replication, Transcription & Translation
2.7Cell Respiration
2.8Photosynthesis
3Genetics
3.1Genes
3.2Chromosomes
3.3Meiosis
3.4Inheritance
3.5Genetic Modification & Biotechnology
4Ecology
4.1Species, Communities & Ecosytems
4.3Carbon Cycle
5Evolution & Biodiversity
5.1Evidence for Evolution
5.2Natural Selection
5.3Classification of Biodiversity
6Human Physiology
6.1Digestion & Absorption
6.2The Blood System
6.3Defence Against Infectious Disease
6.5Neurons & Synapses
7AHL: Nucleic Acids
7.1DNA Structure & Replication
7.2Transcription & Gene Expression
8AHL: Metabolism, Cell Respiration & Photosynthesis
8.1Metabolism
8.2Cell Respiration
9AHL: Plant Biology
9.1Transport in the Xylem of Plants
9.2Transport in the Phloem of Plants
9.3Growth in Plants
10AHL: Genetics & Evolution
10.1Meiosis
10.2Inheritance
10.2.1Linked Genes
10.2.2Sex-Linked Genes
10.2.3Non-Nuclear Inheritance
10.2.4Chi-Squared Test
10.2.5End of Topic Quiz - Inheritance
10.2.6IB Multiple Choice - Non-Mendelian Genetics
10.2.7Introduction to Non-Mendelian Inheritance
10.2.8Extended Response - Inheritance
10.2.9Grade 4-5 (Scientific Practices) - Inheritance
11AHL: Animal Physiology
11.1Antibody Production & Vaccination
11.3The Kidney & Osmoregulation
Jump to other topics
1Cell Biology
1.1Introduction to Cells
1.2Ultrastructure of Cells
1.3Membrane Structure
1.4Membrane Transport
1.5The Origin of Cells
2Molecular Biology
2.1Water
2.2Carbohydrates & Lipids
2.3Proteins
2.4Enzymes
2.5Structure of DNA & RNA
2.6DNA Replication, Transcription & Translation
2.7Cell Respiration
2.8Photosynthesis
3Genetics
3.1Genes
3.2Chromosomes
3.3Meiosis
3.4Inheritance
3.5Genetic Modification & Biotechnology
4Ecology
4.1Species, Communities & Ecosytems
4.3Carbon Cycle
5Evolution & Biodiversity
5.1Evidence for Evolution
5.2Natural Selection
5.3Classification of Biodiversity
6Human Physiology
6.1Digestion & Absorption
6.2The Blood System
6.3Defence Against Infectious Disease
6.5Neurons & Synapses
7AHL: Nucleic Acids
7.1DNA Structure & Replication
7.2Transcription & Gene Expression
8AHL: Metabolism, Cell Respiration & Photosynthesis
8.1Metabolism
8.2Cell Respiration
9AHL: Plant Biology
9.1Transport in the Xylem of Plants
9.2Transport in the Phloem of Plants
9.3Growth in Plants
10AHL: Genetics & Evolution
10.1Meiosis
10.2Inheritance
10.2.1Linked Genes
10.2.2Sex-Linked Genes
10.2.3Non-Nuclear Inheritance
10.2.4Chi-Squared Test
10.2.5End of Topic Quiz - Inheritance
10.2.6IB Multiple Choice - Non-Mendelian Genetics
10.2.7Introduction to Non-Mendelian Inheritance
10.2.8Extended Response - Inheritance
10.2.9Grade 4-5 (Scientific Practices) - Inheritance
11AHL: Animal Physiology
11.1Antibody Production & Vaccination
11.3The Kidney & Osmoregulation
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