Meiosis

Meiosis is a topic related to reproducing and chromosomes. Meiosis is a process in which chromosomes are divided by two to form the sex cells, or gametes. These sex cells are called sperm and eggs. The basic steps in meiosis are:
1.) chromosomes double
2.) first cell division
3.) second cell division

Let's say there are 26 chromosomes in a male or female leopard frog. We will make a chart to figure out how many chromosomes will be in one sex cell. (chart for female and male is the same-except for the outcome)

Here is a meiosis chart:
26

I

52<--from 26 to 52 was the doubling of the chromosomes

/ \

26 26 <-- this was the first cell division

/ \ / \

13 13 13 13<--this was the second cell division

(one thirteen is the egg, the rest are polar bodies for a female chart)

(a male chart would be the same except all the numbers as an outcome of the second cell division would be sperm)

I think learning about this is okay. At times, I think I don't want to hear this, but I know I have to. Other times, learning about genetics tells me that this information won't come in handy now, but it will in the later parts of my life.

These are some more interesting facts:
1.)The word "meiosis" is originated from the word "meioun" in the Greek language. Meioun means to make smaller which is what the process of meiosis does.
source: Wikipedia
hyperlink: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiosis
2.)To see a more detailed meiosis, go to http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/meiosis/premei.html
source: The Biology Place

PICTURE from: (click on picture to see a larger image)http://genetics.gsk.com/graphics/meiosis-big.gif