meiosis

Biologist

2022

We explain what meiosis is and what each of its phases consists of. Also, what is mitosis and its differences from meiosis.

Meiosis provides genetic variety in descendant cells.

What is meiosis?

Meiosis is called one of the ways in which divide cells, which is characterized by giving rise to cells daughters genetically different from the cell that originated them. This type of cell division is key to sexual reproduction, since through meiosis the organisms they produce their gametes or sex cells. The new individual resulting from the union of two gametes (one male and one female) will have a genetic material different from that of the parents, which arises from the combination of these.

Meiosis (from the Greek meioum, decrease) consists of the division of a diploid cell (2n), that is, provided with two sets of chromosomes to give rise to four haploid cells (n), provided with a single set of chromosomes, that is, half the genetic load of the initial cell.

In the animals (including the human being) most of the cells in the body are diploid and are called somatic cells. Only in germinal tissue are special cells that give rise, through meiosis, to haploid cells. These haploid cells are the gametes or reproductive cells that are involved in sexual reproduction, that is, they are the sperm (male gametes) and the ovules (female gametes).

When a sperm and an egg fuse with each other during fertilization, each of them contributes half of the genetic load of the new individual that is formed as a result of this union. Thus, both haploid sets of each gamete combine to form a complete diploid set, which is the genome of the newly formed new individual.

Meiosis is an essential process prior to sexual reproduction, since gametes are formed during this process. However, meiosis is also part of complex life cycles in algae, mushrooms and other simple eukaryotes, to achieve a certain generational alternation, reproducing their cells in a sexual Y asexual in different stages.

Meiosis was discovered in the 19th century by the German biologist Oscar Hertwig (1849-1922), based on his studies with sea urchin eggs. Since then, successive research have contributed to understand this process in greater depth and to understand its vital importance in the evolution of the higher forms of life.

See also:Eukaryotic cell

Phases of meiosis

Meiosis I results in cells with half the genetic load.

Meiosis is a process complex that involves two different phases: meiosis I and meiosis II. Each of them is composed of several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase. This warrants a more detailed study:

  • Meiosis I. The first diploid cell division (2n) occurs, known as reductive, since it results in cells with half the genetic load (n). Meiosis I is distinguished from meiosis II (and mitosis) because its prophase is very long and in its course homologous chromosomes (identical because one comes from each parent) pair and recombine to exchange genetic material.
  • Prophase I. It is divided into several steps. In the first step the DNA it is prepared by condensing into chromosomes and becoming visible. Then, the homologous chromosomes are put together in pairs, forming a complex in which they exchange genetic material. This process is known as gene recombination. Finally, the chromosomes separate, although at some points they remain united: these are the points where gene recombination has taken place. In addition, the envelope of the core and a sort of dividing line arises in the cell.
  • Metaphase I. The bivalent chromosomes (made up of two chromatids each, which is why it is also called a tetrad) are arranged in the equatorial plane of the cell and are attached to a structure made up of microtubules called the achromatic spindle.
  • Anaphase I. The homologous chromosomes of each bivalent (each consisting of two sister chromatids) separate from each other, tend to one pole of the cell, and form two haploid poles (n). The random genetic distribution has already been carried out.
  • Telophase I. The haploid chromosome groups reach the poles of the cell. The nuclear envelope is formed again. The plasma membrane separates and gives rise to two haploid daughter cells.

  • Meiosis II. Known as the duplicative phase, it resembles mitosis: two whole individuals are formed by duplicating DNA.
  • Prophase II. The haploid cells created in meiosis I condense their chromosomes and break the nuclear envelope. The achromatic spindle appears again.
  • Metaphase II. As before, the chromosomes tend towards the equatorial plane of the cell, preparing for a new division.
  • Anaphase II. The sister chromatids of each chromosome separate and are pulled toward opposite poles of the cell.
  • Telophase II. Each of the cell's poles receives a haploid set of chromatids that are renamed chromosomes. The nuclear envelope is formed again, followed by the partition of the cytoplasm and the formation of cell membranes resulting in four haploid cells (n), each with a different distribution of the individual's complete genetic code.

Meiosis and mitosis

Mitosis produces cell "clones" and is associated with asexual reproduction.

The differences between mitosis and meiosis are several:

  • Mitosis is associated with asexual reproduction. Mitosis consists of the division of an original cell to form two genetically identical daughter cells. Mitosis is used as a mechanism in the different types of asexual reproduction, in which an organism produces cell “clones”, without adding variety to the genetic pool. Meiosis, on the other hand, is a required process in preparation for sexual reproduction, and unlike mitosis, it allows high genetic recombination.
  • Mitosis is associated with growth and development processes. Multicellular organisms use the mechanism of mitosis to maintain and renew their structures This type of cell division allows new cells to be added during the development and growth of the individual and to replace old and worn-out cells throughout the life of the organism.
  • Mitosis creates two daughter cells. Both diploid and identical. Meiosis, on the other hand, produces four descendant cells, but all haploid and different from each other and from the cell that originated it.
  • Mitosis preserves DNA. Mitosis is a mechanism for the preservation of intact genetic material (although they can occur mutations randomly during the process), whereas meiosis subjects it to a recombination process in which errors can occur, but which also enriches the genome and allows the creation of particularly successful chains. Meiosis is at some point largely responsible for genetic variation between individuals.

More in:Mitosis

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