Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically diverse haploid cells. It is crucial for sexual reproduction and genetic diversity in eukaryotic organisms.
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Meiosis consists of two successive divisions: meiosis I and meiosis II.
During prophase I, homologous chromosomes undergo synapsis and crossing over, which increases genetic variability.
Meiosis I results in two haploid cells with duplicated chromosomes, while meiosis II resembles mitosis and separates sister chromatids.
The end product of meiosis is four non-identical haploid gametes or spores.
Errors in meiosis can lead to aneuploidy conditions such as Down syndrome.