1. Produces four daughter cells (sex cells) for the purpose of reproduction
2. Each with half the chromosome number (haploid) as the original parent cell
3. With a unique set of genetic material as a result of exchange of chromosome segments during the process of crossing over
Haploid
Half of the number of chromosomes in cells
Diploid
The complete number of chromosomes
Meiosis ensures that the chromosome number remains constant generation to generation
Types of cell divisions
Somatic
Gametogenic
Somatic cell division
Number of divisions: One
Number of daughter cells: Two
Chromosome number in parent and daughter cells: Diploid
Gametogenic cell division
Number of divisions: Two
Number of daughter cells: Four
Chromosome number in parent cell: Diploid, in daughter cells: Haploid
Gametogenesis
Formation, development and maturation of Gametes such as the egg cell and the sperm cell
Sexual reproduction involves meiosis and fertilization
The egg cell and the sperm cell must undergo oogenesis and spermatogenesis, respectively to have a reduced number of chromosomes, normally one-half of the total number
The union of the gametes by fertilization will have the total number of chromosomes for the particular organism or species
Spermatogenesis
1. Formation, development and maturation of a sperm cell in the testes of male animals
2. Meiosis produces four cells which are very small but of similar size
3. These cells become spermatozoa or sperms
Oogenesis
Formation, development and maturation of the egg cell in the ovary of female animals
The oogonium (2n), descendant of a primordial gem cell, undergoes mitosis to produce cogonia (2n), which give rise to primary
