Meiosis
- Pronunciation
- /my-OH-sis/
- Category
- Cell Biology
- Singular
- Meiosis
- Plural
- Meiosis
Definition
A specialized type of cell division that occurs in sexually reproducing organisms, resulting in the production of four haploid cells (gametes) from a single diploid cell.
Etymology
From Greek 'meio-', meaning 'lessen', and 'osis', meaning 'process'.
Example
Meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction as it ensures that each gamete receives a unique combination of genetic information.