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Significance of Meiosis

The significance of meiosis is to conserve the genetic material across the generations in sexually reproducing organisms. This process takes place during gamete formation and leads to the reduction of genetic material into half because after fertilization the genetic material doubles. Thus, this process is also called reductional division, particularly Meiosis I. The process of meiosis consists of two stages – Meiosis I and Meiosis II. Sperms and eggs are the gametes or sex cells that form after meiosis. Meiosis is a very important type of cell division in the life of an organism.

What is Meiosis?

Meiosis is a type of cell division particularly found in sexually reproducing organisms. This is a specialized kind of cell division in which the chromosome number is reduced by half and haploid daughter cells are produced. This process is also known as “reductional division” as the ploidy of the cell gets reduced.

The gametes resulting from meiosis fertilize to form the zygote. The zygote further develops into the whole organism. Meiosis, thus ensures the production of the haploid phase in the life cycle of sexually reproducing organisms on the other hand fertilization restores the diploid phase. This process occurs during gametogenesis which refers to the formation of gametes in plants and animals.



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Stages of Meiosis

Meiosis involves two main stages which are Meiosis I and Meiosis II. These two main stages are classified into sub-stages which can be explained as follows.

Meiosis I

Meiosis I is particularly called “reductional division”. During this, the chromosomes are reduced by half. This process is divided into Prophase I, Metaphase I, Anaphase I, and Telophase I.

After Meiosis I, the cells undergo a short stage called as Interkinesis during which no DNA replication occurs.

Meiosis II

The two daughter cells resulting from Meiosis I undergo Meiosis II. This stage is referred to as “equational division” because it is very similar to mitosis where the chromosome number remain same. It is further divided into Prophase II, Metaphase II, Anaphase II, and Telophase II.

Diagram of Meiosis

The labeled diagram of meosis is given below:

Features of Meiosis

Meiosis consists of two sequencial cycles of nuclear and cell division called Meiosis I and Meiosis II but only one cycle of DNA replication.

Significance of Meiosis

The significance of meiosis can be understood as follows:

Conclusion – Significance of Meiosis

Meiosis is a very significant process in the life of a sexually reproducing organism because it is responsible for the formation of gametes. It results in the conservation of the specific chromosome number of each species across generations. In meiosis, recombination of genetic material takes place due to which the gametes are haploid but not identical. This recombination is responsible for the genetic variability observed in the organisms which is required for the survival of these organisms.

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FAQs on Significance of Meiosis

What is the other Name of Meiosis?

Meiosis is also known as “reductional division”. This is because the number of chromosomes gets reduced by half in this process and the resulting cells are haploid.

What are the Two main Stages of Meiosis?

Meiosis is divided into two main stages which are Meiosis I and Meiosis II. Meiosis I is also called “reductional division” while Meiosis II is called “equational division”.

What is Meant by Karyokinesis and Cytokinesis?

The division of the nucleus is called karyokinesis and the division of cytoplasm is called cytokinesis. During cell division first karyokinesis takes place and then cytokinesis happens.

What are the Substages of Prophase I?

The Prophase I is the longest phase of meiosis I. It consists of five stages which are Leptotene, Zygotene, Pachytene, Diplotene, and Diakinesis.

Which Cells undergo Meiosis in Eukaryotes?

In eukaryotes, the germ cells undergo meiosis. The germ cells are the sex cells that are involved in sexual reproduction.

What is the Significance of Meiosis?

Meiosis helps in maintaining the chromosome number of the organism. It is responsible for genetic diversity in an organism.


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