Meiosis

Meiosis is the process used for making gametes -- sperm and eggs.

Gametes have 23 chromosomes; half the number of chromosomes of body cells.

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Gametes Produced

The original cell in meiosis is called a germ cell.

In sperm production, 4 sperm are produced from one germ cell.

In egg production, 1 large egg is produced from each germ cell. Three small cells are produced, but discarded.

Key vocabulary

• Spermatogenesis - the process of making sperm through meiosis

• Oogenesis - the process of making eggs through meiosis. (Pronounced o-o-genesis.)

• Ovum - egg (plural ova)

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material during crossing over makes the great diversity among humans and other organisms possible.