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This is an accepted version of this page This is the latest accepted revision, reviewed on 5 January 2025. Cell division producing haploid gametes For the figure of speech, see Meiosis (figure of speech). For the process whereby cell nuclei divide to produce two copies of themselves, see Mitosis. For excessive constriction of the pupils, see Miosis. For the parasitic infestation, see Myiasis ...
In the first stage of sexual reproduction, meiosis, the number of chromosomes is reduced from a diploid number (2n) to a haploid number (n). During fertilisation , haploid gametes come together to form a diploid zygote , and the original number of chromosomes is restored.
This process results in each gamete usually containing a mixture of chromosomes from both original parents. Improper chromosome segregation (see non-disjunction, disomy) can result in aneuploid gametes having either too few or too many chromosomes. The second stage at which segregation occurs during meiosis is prophase II (see meiosis diagram ...
The two chromosomes which pair are referred to as non-sister chromosomes, since they did not arise simply from the replication of a parental chromosome. Recombination between non-sister chromosomes at meiosis is known to be a recombinational repair process that can repair double-strand breaks and other types of double-strand damage. [2]
During meiosis, 5 of X form one chain, and 5 of Y form another chain. Thus, they behave effectively as a typical XY chromosomal system, except each of X and Y is broken into 5 parts, with the effect at recombinations occur very frequently at 4 particular points. [ 17 ]
In humans, there seems to be one chiasma per chromosome arm, [5] and in mammals, the number of chromosome arms is a good predictor of the number of crossovers. [6] Yet, in humans and possibly other species, evidence shows that the number of crossovers is regulated at the level of an entire chromosome and not an arm.
During the leptotene stage, the duplicated chromosomes - each consisting of two sister chromatids - condense from diffuse chromatin into long, thin strands that are more visible within the nucleoplasm (nucleus contents). The chromosomes become visible as thin threadlike structures known as leptonema under a light microscope. [1]: 27 [2]: 353
She made key findings regarding corn's karyotype, including the size and shape of the chromosomes. McClintock used the prophase and metaphase stages of mitosis to describe the morphology of corn's chromosomes, and later showed the first ever cytological demonstration of crossing over in meiosis.