Understanding Meiosis: Cell Division for Genetic Diversity

TLDR; Meiosis involves replication and division of chromosomes to produce genetically unique cells with half the genetic information of the original cell.

⚗️ Chromosome Explanation

Humans have 46 chromosomes, 23 from each parent, with matching pairs.

During interphase, each chromosome becomes replicated into a pair of sister chromatids, maintaining the same number of chromosomes.

In meiosis, each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids, resulting in a total of 46 chromosomes in a diploid cell.

🔬 Meiosis vs. Mitosis

In meiosis, homologous chromosomes from each parent match up and exchange genetic information during prophase 1.

During metaphase 1, homologous pairs line up instead of individual chromosomes, leading to genetic diversity.

Anaphase 1 separates homologous chromosomes, producing cells with half the original number of chromosomes.

🧬 Second Division in Meiosis

After the first division, the cells undergo a second division, resulting in further chromosome separation and genetic diversity.

The end result of meiosis is four cells, each with half the genetic information of the original cell, leading to genetic uniqueness.