upgrade

🔬general biology i review

Reductional division

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Reductional division is the first division in meiosis, known as meiosis I, where homologous chromosomes are separated into two daughter cells. This results in halving the chromosome number from diploid to haploid.

Pep mascot

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Reductional division occurs during meiosis I.
  2. It reduces the chromosome number by half, making it crucial for sexual reproduction.
  3. Homologous chromosomes are separated during this phase.
  4. Synapsis and crossing over occur before reductional division in prophase I.
  5. The outcome of reductional division is two haploid cells with duplicated chromosomes.

Review Questions