Meiosis Monday, 13 April 2015 Learning Objectives: 1. Explain how gametes are made by meiosis 2. Describe differences and similarities between mitosis and meiosis Starter Draw and label a sperm and egg cell in your book – don’t look back in your book! Meiosis • A special type of cell division producing gametes • Happens in primary sex organs – Ovaries and testes • Gametes contain half the number of chromosomes. This is called haploid • Meiosis results in variation http://www.cellsalive.com/meiosis.htm Stages of meiosis 2 Main stages 1. Homologous chromosomes separated. Creates 2 daughter nuclei 2. 2 daughter nuclei divide. Chromosomes themselves are seperated. Creates 4 gametes. Similarities and differences between meiosis and mitosis Mitosis Meiosis Where does it occur All over the body Sex organs Number of divisions 1 2 Creates All cells apart from gametes Gametes Number of chromosomes 46 (diploid) 23 (haploid) Produces Two cells Four cells Function Cellular reproduction, growth Sexual reproduction