MEIOSIS

:DEFINITION
 A two-part cell division process in organisms that
sexually reproduce, which results in gametes
with one-half the number of chromosomes of the
parent cell.
 The diploid (2n) parent cell is reduced to form
the haploid daughter cells (n).
 Hence, also called the reduction division.
 STAGES
 Meiosis comprises two successive nuclear
divisions with only one round of DNA replication.
 Four stages can be described for each nuclear
division. Meiosis I is the true reduction division.
MEIOSIS I
 PROPHASE I: Duplicated chromatin condenses. Each
chromosome consists of 2 closely associated sister chromatids.
CROSSING OVER occurs during latter part of this stage.
 METAPHASE I: Homologous chromosomes align at
the equatorial plate.
 ANAPHASE I: Homologous pairs separate with sister
chromatids remaining together.
 TELOPHASE I: 2 daughter cells are formed with each
daughter containing only 1 chromosome of the
homologous pair.
 MEIOSIS II
 PROPHASE II: DNA does not replicate.
 METAPHASE II: Chromosomes align at the
equatorial plate.
 ANAPHASE II: Centromeres divide and sister
chromatids migrate separately to each pole.
 TELOPHASE II: Cell division is complete. Four
haploid daughter cells are obtained.
OVERVIEW
 EXPLANATION
 Meiosis comes after the G-2 phase when the
DNA replication (S phase) is already concluded
so the cells bear 2n and 4c at the beginning of
meiosis.
 During the two-step meiotic division not only the
number of chromosomes and thus the amount of
DNA is reduced, but also DNA is exchanged
between the homolog chromosomes of the
original diploid cell.( crossing- over and
recombination)
 PROPHASE I
 Unique event- pairing of homologous
chromosomes
 Linking of replicated homologous chromosomes
 Results in formation of a TETRAD
 Tetrad- composed of 2 chromatids from each
chromosome- a 4-strand structure.
 It is further divided into 5 sub-stages:

a) Leptotene b) Zygotene c) Pachytene

d) Diplotene e) Diakinesis
 1. LEPTOTENE
 Chromosomes become
visible
shorten
thick
 The nucleus increase in size
 The homologous chromosomes start getting
closer to each other.
 ZYGOTENE .2
 Synapses i.e. pairing occurs
 This pairing of homologous chromosomes is
highly specific and exact point to point
 It begins from attachment point to nuclear
envelope.
 Hence, corresponding regions lie in contact.
 PACHYTENE.3
 Pairing is completed.
 Chromosomes shorten and thicken further
 A TETRAD is formed-consisting of 4
chromatids, which wrap around each other
 CROSSING OVER- exchange of
chromosomal segment between non-sister
chromatids facilitated by chiasmata
 May lead to exchange of DNA
 Chiasma -site where the exchange of chromosome
.segments between homologous chromosomes takes place
 4.DIPLOTENE
 Homologous pair moves apart except at
chiasmata region.
 Hence, separation not complete.
 1-5 chiasmata formation evident in each
homologous pair.
 DIAKINESIS.5
 Condensation of chromosomes reaches
its maximum.
 Separation of chromosomes is completed
but at one point.
 Become spread out in nuclear envelope.
 Nucleolus disappears
 Spindle apparatus forms.
 SUMMARY OF PROPHASE I
 Chromatin condenses into chromosomes
 Nucleolus dissolves
 Nuclear membrane is disassembled
 Spindle apparatus is formed
 METAPHASE I
 Paired homologous chromosomes move
to the equator
 Spindle fibers are attached to each
homolog’s centromere
 So that they lie parallel to the equatorial
plate
 Centrioles of homologous pair point
opposite to the poles
 ANAPHASE I
 Spindle fibers elongate and pull the homologous
chromosomes away from each other to opposite
poles.
 Sister chromatids are attached at centromere.
 Since positioning of the pairs is random hence,
random assortment of genetic material occurs
 True reduction division as each side has 2
chromosomes instead of 4
 TELOPHASE I
 Spindle fibers disappear
 Nuclear envelope and nucleoli reappear
 Equator of the cell pinches in to create 2
new cells
 Each daughter cell has haploid number of
chromosomes
 But diploid amount of DNA as each
chromosome has 2 chromatids
 MEIOSIS II
 The second division starts almost
immediately
 No replication of DNA occurs
 In this there is haploid number of
chromosomes (23) and diploid amount of
DNA
 Four daughter cells formed at the end of
MEIOSIS
 SUMMARY OF EVENTS
 23 chromosomes on equatorial plate
 Division at centromere level
 Chromatids get separated and move to
opposite poles
 THEY ARE GENETICALLY DISSIMILAR

as a result of random assortment

 PROPHASE II
 Nuclear membrane
and nucleoli disperse
(if reformed in
Telophase I)
 Centrioles if present
move to opposite
poles
 Spindle fibers
reappear
 METAPHASE II
 Kinetochores of sister chromatids of each
chromosome point towards opposite poles
 Each of the chromosome attaches itself by
its centromere to a spindle fiber
 Spindle fibers and the chromosomes align
singly on metaphase plate
 ANAPHASE II
 Centromeres of sister chromatids
separate
 Sister chromatids of each pair move
towards the opposite poles of the cell
 TELOPHASE II
 Chromosomes uncoil and become less
visible
 Spindle fibers disassemble
 Nuclear envelops and nuclei form at
opposite poles of the cell
 Cytokinesis occurs producing 4 haploid
cells that are GENETICALLY NON-
IDENTICAL.
 IMPORTANCE OF MEIOSIS
1. Crossing-over:
 Parental chromosomes exchange
segments with each other
 Results in large number of re-
combinations
2.RANDOM ASSORTMENT:
Occurs during anaphase
Results in large variety of gametes
3. GAMETE FORMATION:
Takes place at the time of sexual cell formation
Halves the number of chromosomes which is
restored after fertilization
Maintains chromosome number in generation
after generation
4. VARIATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS:
Make every person different and unique in his
characteristics-causes specificity.
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