CLASS 9 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE
Meiosis and Germ Cells – Basic Principles
How it works
Meiosis is a special form of cell division in which two successive divisions produce haploid cells from a diploid cell. In the process, the chromosome number is halved. Meiosis ensures genetic diversity through recombination and the random distribution of chromosomes. In humans, sex cells are formed in this way: sperm and egg cells each contain a single set of chromosomes. During sperm formation, four haploid cells are produced; during egg formation, one egg cell is produced and, in addition, smaller polar bodies.
Note
During meiosis, the chromosome set is halved so that the species-specific chromosome number can be restored during fertilization. At the same time, recombination and the random distribution of chromosomes generate genetic diversity.
During meiosis, the chromosome set is halved so that the species-specific chromosome number can be restored during fertilization. At the same time, recombination and the random distribution of chromosomes generate genetic diversity.
An example
What function does meiosis have in the human body?
Meiosis ensures that during the formation of germ cells (sperm and egg cells) the chromosome number is halved so that the species-specific chromosome number is maintained during fertilization. It also leads to genetic diversity.
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