Meiotic Division

Meiotic division is a special process cells use to create reproductive cells, like sperm and eggs. It reduces the chromosome number by half, ensuring that when fertilization occurs, the resulting organism has the correct number of chromosomes. The process involves two rounds of division: in the first, homologous chromosomes pair up and then separate; in the second, sister chromatids split apart. This careful division promotes genetic diversity through recombination and independent assortment, which are important for evolution and the unique traits of individuals. Overall, meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction and maintaining the stability of a species’ chromosome number across generations.