1. Meiosis Cell division occurs in the mother cell of an organism.
2. It occurs only in diploid and polyploid cells.
3. In this process, four offspring cells (haploid) are formed from each reproductive mother cell (diploid).
4. In this process the nucleus of the cell divides twice and the chromosomes divide once.
5. In this process, the chromosome number of the offspring cells is half of the chromosome number of the mother cell.
6. Distinct arrangement of chromosomes occurs in meiosis.
7. In this process the prophase stage is prolonged and in this stage objects called chromomeres are formed.
8. Prophase-1 is preceded by replication of DNA. Prophase-1 is most significant.
9. Synapsis and bivalents occur between homologous chromosomes in this process.
10. In the process of meiosis, chiasma and crossing over occur between non-sister chromatids. New features appear.
11. Meiosis cell division produces sperms and eggs and plays an important role in sexual reproduction.
12. Meiosis-II is followed by cytokinesis.
13. Due to crossing over and unique arrangement of chromosomes, the resulting cells are never identical to the mother cell.
14. Meiosis in polyploid plants is very complex in nature.
15. Meiosis plays a role in variation and biodiversity.
16. Meiosis Cell division drives evolution in organisms.