RLO: Cell Division

 

Introduction

Meiosis is the process of cell division that occurs in the testes and ovaries and results in the formation of the reproductive cells, the sperm and the ovum. In meiosis four ‘daughter cells’ are formed after two rounds of division. After this process each ‘daughter’ cell contains half the number of chromosomes than the original cell and is termed haploid. This is crucial to ensure that the fertilised ovum contains the full complement of chromosomes.

Interactive demonstration of Meosis (popup)