Introduction.

Meiosis is a very specialized process of cell division that produces gametes (eggs and sperm), and is quite distinct from the mitotic cycle of normally dividing cells Meiosis is a very specialized process of cell division that produces gametes (eggs and sperm), and is quite distinct from the mitotic cycle of normally dividing cells. A division that reduces chromosomes. In meiosis a diploid cell undergoes two cell divisions, potentially yielding four haploid cells. The events of meiosis are similar to the events of mitosis,with four important differences !. Meiosis involves two successive nuclear and cytoplasmic divisions, producing up four cells. ". #espite two successive nuclear divisions, the #$A and other chromosomal components duplicate only once dirung the interphase preceding the first meiotic division. %. &ach of the four cells produced 'y meiosis contains the haploid chromosome num'er that is only one chromosome set containing only one representative of each homologous pair. (. #uring meiosis, the genetic information from 'oth parentsis shuffled, so each resulting haploid cell has virtually unique com'ination of genes. Meiosis typically consists of two nuclear and cytoplasmic divisions, designated simply meiosis I and meiosis II. &ach includes prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase stages. #uring meiosis I, the mem'ers of each homologous chromosomepair first )oin together and then separateand move into different nuclei. In meiosis II, the sister of chromatids that ma*e up each chromosome separate and distri'uted to two different nuclei.

Stages of Meiosis. A cell undergoing meiosis will divide two times+ the first division is meiosis I and the second is meiosis II. The phases have the same names as those of mitosis. A num'er indicates the division num'er (!st or "nd) meiosis I prophase !, metaphase !, anaphase !, and telophase !

meiosis II prophase ", metaphase ", anaphase ", and telophase "

Mitosis and Meiosis. Althought mitosis and meiosis share many similar features, specific distinctions 'etween the processes result the formation of different types of cells.In 'oth meiosis and mitosis cells divide and 'oth processes consist of various su'phases , prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, cyto*inesis , which they share in common. -ut there are *ey differences 'etween the 'ehavior of chromosomes during the su'phases of meiosis and mitosis. The most important difference occurs during prophase (prophase ! in meiosis).

.igure Mitosis vs Meiosis -oth Meiosis and Mitosis are found in comple/ organisms which reproduce se/ually. Mitosis may 'e used for human growth, the replenishment of depleted organs and tissues, healing, and sustenance of the 'ody. Identical versions of cells can 'e created to form

tissues through Mitosis. Meiosis is a special process reserved for the creation of the egg and sperm cells. The same patterns may 'e found in many species of plant and animal cell reproduction.

Ta'le 0omparison of mitosis and meiosis in animals.