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Meiosis - Glossary Entry

Definition(s)

A specialized cell division in which a single diploid cell undergoes two nuclear divisions following a single round of DNA replication in order to produce four daughter cells that contain half the number of chromosomes as the diploid cell. Meiosis occurs during the formation of gametes from diploid organisms and at the beginning of haplophase in those organisms that alternate between diploid and haploid generations. Reference(s): PMID:933432

Definition from: Unified Medical Language SystemThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. (Gene Ontology)   at the National Library of Medicine

A special method of cell division, occurring in maturation of the germ cells, by means of which each daughter nucleus receives half the number of chromosomes characteristic of the somatic cells of the species.

Definition from: Unified Medical Language SystemThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. (MeSH)   at the National Library of Medicine

Related discussion in the Handbook

 
Published: October 22, 2004

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