reduction division

Thân thiện

A student observes reduction division under a microscope in biology class.

Definition

Noun: 1. A type of cell division in sexually reproducing organisms that results in cells with half the original number of chromosomes: Specifically, it is the process where a single cell divides twice to produce four cells, each containing half the genetic material (chromosomes) of the original parent cell. This process is essential for the formation of gametes (sperm and egg cells in animals) or spores (in plants and fungi).

Usage

• This term is used almost exclusively in the fields of biology and genetics to describe the specific cellular process of meiosis.
• It is a technical, formal term.

Examples

• In a sentence:
  • During sexual reproduction, reduction division is necessary to halve the chromosome number before fertilization.
  • The biology professor explained that reduction division, or meiosis, consists of two successive divisions: meiosis I and meiosis II.

Advanced Usage

• The term reduction division is often used synonymously with meiosis, particularly when emphasizing the halving of the chromosome number. Meiosis I is sometimes specifically referred to as the reductional division.
• Context: "The first stage of meiosis, known as the reduction division, ensures genetic diversity by separating homologous chromosomes."

Variants and Related Words

• Meiosis (n): The more common and comprehensive term for the entire process of reduction division.
• Meiotic (adj): Relating to or undergoing meiosis.
  • The meiotic spindle is crucial for chromosome segregation.
• Gametogenesis (n): The overall process of forming gametes, which includes reduction division.

Synonyms

• Meiosis: The direct synonym.
• Maturation division: An older, less common term.

Notes on Meaning

• The "reduction" refers specifically to the reduction in the chromosome number from diploid (2n) to haploid (n).
• It is distinct from mitosis, which is cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell.

Học thuật

Noun

1. (genetics) cell division that produces reproductive cells in sexually reproducing organisms; the nucleus divides into four nuclei each containing half the chromosome number (leading to gametes in animals and spores in plants)

Từ đồng nghĩa

• meiosis
• miosis