meiosis

[mahy-oh-sis]

meiosis Definition

  • 1Biology: a type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell, as in the production of gametes and plant spores.
  • 2Rhetoric: understatement, especially that in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary, as in 'not bad at all.'

Using meiosis: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "meiosis" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    Meiosis is the process of cell division that produces gametes.

  • Example

    The meiotic division reduces the chromosome number by half.

  • Example

    Meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction in eukaryotes.

meiosis Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for meiosis

Antonyms for meiosis

Phrases with meiosis

  • the first stage of meiosis, in which homologous chromosomes pair and exchange segments of genetic material

    Example

    In meiosis I, the number of chromosomes is reduced from diploid to haploid.

  • the second stage of meiosis, in which sister chromatids separate and are distributed to the daughter nuclei

    Example

    In meiosis II, the sister chromatids separate, resulting in four haploid daughter cells.

  • the distortion of segregation during meiosis in favor of one of the two alleles, resulting in a biased transmission to the gametes

    Example

    Meiotic drive can lead to the evolution of sex-ratio distorters.

Origins of meiosis

from Greek 'meioun', meaning 'to make smaller'

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Summary: meiosis in Brief

Meiosis [mahy-oh-sis] is a type of cell division that produces four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell. It is essential for sexual reproduction in eukaryotes and involves two stages: meiosis I and meiosis II. Meiosis is also a rhetorical device that uses understatement to express affirmation.