Biology – Passage of information from parents to offspring | e-Consult
Passage of information from parents to offspring (1 questions)
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Meiosis is a type of cell division that occurs in germline cells (cells that produce gametes). Its primary role is to reduce the chromosome number from diploid (2n) to haploid (n) in the formation of gametes.
Here's a breakdown:
- Germline cells start as diploid (2n), containing two sets of chromosomes.
- Meiosis I involves the separation of homologous chromosome pairs, resulting in two haploid (n) cells.
- Meiosis II involves the separation of sister chromatids, resulting in four haploid (n) gametes.
- When a sperm (n) fertilizes an egg (n), the resulting zygote is diploid (2n).
Therefore, meiosis ensures that each generation has the same number of chromosomes as the previous generation. If meiosis did not reduce the chromosome number, the chromosome number would double with each generation, which would be unsustainable and lead to genetic problems. The process of meiosis is essential for maintaining genetic stability and ensuring that offspring inherit the correct number of chromosomes.