Introduction.

Meiosis is a very specialized process of cell division that produces gametes (eggs and
sperm), and is quite distinct from the mitotic cycle of normally dividing cells Meiosis is a
very specialized process of cell division that produces gametes (eggs and sperm), and is
quite distinct from the mitotic cycle of normally dividing cells. A division that reduces
chromosomes. In meiosis a diploid cell undergoes two cell divisions, potentially yielding
four haploid cells.

The events of meiosis are similar to the events of mitosis,with four important
differences:
1. Meiosis involves two successive nuclear and cytoplasmic divisions, producing
up four cells.
2. Despite two successive nuclear divisions, the DNA and other chromosomal
components duplicate only once dirung the interphase preceding the first meiotic
division.
3. Each of the four cells produced by meiosis contains the haploid chromosome
number that is only one chromosome set containing only one representative of
each homologous pair.
4. During meiosis, the genetic information from both parentsis shuffled, so each
resulting haploid cell has virtually unique combination of genes.

Meiosis typically consists of two nuclear and cytoplasmic divisions, designated

simply meiosis I and meiosis II. Each includes prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and
telophase stages. During meiosis I, the members of each homologous chromosomepair
first join together and then separateand move into different nuclei. In meiosis II, the sister
of chromatids that make up each chromosome separate and distributed to two different
nuclei.
Stages of Meiosis.

A cell undergoing meiosis will divide two times; the first division is meiosis I and the
second is meiosis II. The phases have the same names as those of mitosis. A number
indicates the division number (1st or 2nd):

meiosis I: prophase 1, metaphase 1, anaphase 1, and telophase 1

meiosis II: prophase 2, metaphase 2, anaphase 2, and telophase 2

Mitosis and Meiosis.

Althought mitosis and meiosis share many similar features, specific distinctions
between the processes result the formation of different types of cells.In both meiosis and
mitosis cells divide and both processes consist of various subphases - prophase,
metaphase, anaphase, telophase, cytokinesis - which they share in common. But there are
key differences between the behavior of chromosomes during the subphases of meiosis
and mitosis. The most important difference occurs during prophase (prophase 1 in
meiosis).

Figure : Mitosis vs Meiosis

Both Meiosis and Mitosis are found in complex organisms which reproduce sexually.
Mitosis may be used for human growth, the replenishment of depleted organs and tissues,
healing, and sustenance of the body. Identical versions of cells can be created to form
tissues through Mitosis. Meiosis is a special process reserved for the creation of the egg
and sperm cells. The same patterns may be found in many species of plant and animal
cell reproduction.

Table: Comparison of mitosis and meiosis in animals.