Cell division by meiosis gives rise to (sex cells). It progresses through the same phases as mitosis (with some differences) but the phases occur over.

The first meiotic division is a division which results in daughter cells. Each has

the number of chromosomes of the nucleus of the cell. The cells are

.

The second meiotic division is similar to in which the two daughter cells

divide.

Daughter cells which are rather than are an important difference which

distinguishes meiosis from mitosis. The daughter cells are not identical with either the

cell or each other. They are genetically .

The importance of meiosis

Daughter cells each receive half (n) set of from the parent cell.

As a result, during the chromosomes of each cell .

The (fertilized egg) receives a full (diploid – 2n) set of chromosomes, but inherits a new

combination of the carried on the chromosomes from the .

The new individual characteristics from both parents, unlike reproduction.

The result?

The diploid number of chromosomes has been .

Genetic material is exchanged between chromosomes (as a result of over)

Chromosomes separate .

As a result alleles are separated randomly, a process called assortment.

The paternal and chromosomes are distributed randomly among the daughter cells.

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sorry that its so long