Question

What is the purpose of division in Meiosis?

Answer 1

Hint: Cell division is the process by which parent cells get divided into daughter cells. In eukaryotic cells, there are predominantly two types of cell divisions which are mitosis and meiosis. Both the divisions are different from each other and are required for entirely different functions.

Complete answer:
Meiosis or reduction division is predominantly present in organisms that reproduce by sexual means. It is the process by which a diploid cell that has 2n number of chromosomes produces two daughter cells containing n number of chromosomes each. For example, in a human cell, the number of chromosomes is 46 and after meiosis, each of the daughter cells receives 23 chromosomes from the parent cell.

The main function of meiosis is in producing haploid gamete cells such as sperms and eggs that have half the number of chromosomes and after fertilization, the actual chromosome number of the organism gets restored during the process of sexual reproduction. Another process that happens during meiosis is known as crossing over which helps in producing variations that make offsprings different from the parent cells. The major function of meiosis is in maintaining the chromosome number in different generations.

Note: The other type of cell division involved is known as Mitosis. It is also known as equational division. In this process, the daughter cells produced have the same number of chromosomes as that of the parent cell. This type of cell division occurs in all types of cells and is the major process involved in the production of new cells and maintaining the cell number.