3.4.3 Meiosis

• Produces gametes
• Halves chromosome number
• produces 4 haploid daughter cells which are all genetically different
• All have different allele combinations
• 1. Parent cell divides by mitosis
  2. Interphase - DNA replicates, pairs of chromosomes are joined by centromere
  3. DNA condenses, making visible pairs of chromatids
  4. Homologous pairs of chromosomes pair up at the equator (this is division one)
  5. Parts of chromatids are swapped between the homologous pair of chromosomes
• Cross over 


  Homologous chromosomes can wrap around each other during meiosis 1, break sections off and swap to the other chromosomes
• Independent segregation


  The random way in which chromosomes and chromatids line up at the equator
• Non-disjunction 


  Failure of chromosomes/chromatids to separate during meiosis