Step 3.2 Meiosis
Meiosis is the division of cells to produce sex cells (gametes). Meiosis occurs only in cells that are able to produce sex cells and is important for allowing for variation of traits among individuals of a species.
Take a look at the animation below to see how meiosis works.
Record your ideas about the following in your idea basket.
- How many pairs of chromosomes are there at the beginning of the process of meiosis AND where do you think they come from?
- What do you notice about the alleles on the longer pair of chromosomes?
- How many chromosomes do the cells have at the end of meiosis compared to the beginning?
- How many sex cells (gametes) result from meiosis?
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