Chapter 8: Mitosis - Cell Division and Reproduction

Meiosis: Generates haploid gametes
• Reduces the number of chromosomes by half,
producing haploid cells from diploid cells.
• Also produces genetic variability, each gamete is
different, ensuring that two offspring from the
same parents are never identical.
• Two divisions: Meiosis I and meiosis II.
Chromosomes are duplicated in interphase prior
to Meiosis I.
Meiosis I: Separates the members of each homologous
pair of chromosomes. Reductive division.
Meiosis II: Separates chromatids into individual
chromosomes.