Reproduction

• Sexual reproduction

  • Involves the production of gametes by meiosis

  • A gamete from each parent fuses to form a zygote

  • Genetic information from each gamete is mixed so the resulting zygote is unique
• Meiosis

  • Form of cell division involved in the formation of gametes

  • Chromosome number is halved

  • Involves two divisions
• First stage of meiosis

  • Chromosome pairs line up along the cell equator

  • The pair of chromosomes are separated and move to opposite poles of the cell (the side to which each chromosome is pulled is random, creating variation)

  • Chromosome number is halved
• Second stage of meiosis

  • Chromosomes line up along the cell equator

  • The chromatids are separated and move to opposite poles of the cell

  • Four unique haploid gametes are produced
• Why is meiosis important for sexual reproduction?

  • Increases genetic variation

  • Ensures that the resultant zygote is diploid