AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Unlike in “normal” cell division (mitosis), in meiosis the chromosome pairs first line up along the center of the cell. The pairs separate there. The individual chromosomes then move to opposite sides of the cell, together with their attached copy. The cell membrane starts pinching inward to form two separate cells.

Detailed explanation-2: -Gametes are formed through meiosis (reduction division), in which a germ cell undergoes two fissions, resulting in the production of four gametes. During fertilization, male and female gametes fuse, producing a diploid (i.e., containing paired chromosomes) zygote.

Detailed explanation-3: -In each round of division, cells go through four stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Detailed explanation-4: -Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes in the parent cell by half and produces four gamete cells. This process is required to produce egg and sperm cells for sexual reproduction.

Detailed explanation-5: -Meiosis only occurs in reproductive cells, as the goal is to create haploid gametes that will be used in fertilization. Meiosis is important to, but not the same as, sexual reproduction. Meiosis is necessary for sexual reproduction to occur, as it results in the formation of gametes (sperm and eggs).