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Dec 8, 2025
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Understanding Meiosis: Key Stages and Concepts
Kaity
@kayunity
1 / 4
Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction
Meiosis has a specific purpose that's different from mitosis. While mitosis helps cells grow and replace damaged cells, meiosis produces haploid gametes that are crucial for sexual reproduction.
Sexual reproduction happens when an egg and sperm combine to create offspring that are genetically different from their parents. This genetic variation helps species adapt to changing environments, giving them a survival advantage.
There are two types of fertilization in sexual reproduction: external (eggs and sperm meet outside the mother) and internal (eggs and sperm meet inside the mother). Regardless of the type, male and female gametes unite to form a zygote that will develop into a new organism.
Quick Fact: Your genes are made of DNA molecules that combine to form chromosomes, which are stored in the nucleus - often called the "control center" of the cell.
Chromosomes and Meiosis Basics
According to chromosome theory, genes travel from parents to offspring through chromosomes. You receive one set from each parent - in humans, that's 23 chromosomes from mum and 23 from dad, giving you a total of 46 chromosomes in each body cell.
Organisms with two sets of chromosomes (like humans) are called diploid (2n). Gametes (egg and sperm cells) only have one set and are called haploid (n). This reduction in chromosome number happens through meiosis.
Meiosis is similar to mitosis but includes two cell divisions instead of one. This creates four daughter cells rather than two. Without meiosis, a fertilized egg would have too many chromosomes (92 in humans), which wouldn't be compatible with life.
During meiosis, the cell first duplicates its DNA (creating 92 chromosomes), then divides once to produce two cells with 46 chromosomes each. These cells divide again to create four cells with 23 chromosomes each - the perfect number for gametes!
Meiosis I
Meiosis has two main parts (Meiosis I and Meiosis II), each with four phases like mitosis: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Let's explore what happens in Meiosis I.
During prophase I, the chromatin coils into chromosomes, and homologous chromosomes pair up to form tetrads (two chromosomes made of four chromatids). This is when crossing over occurs - a crucial process where homologous chromosomes swap genetic information, creating genetic variation in the offspring.
The paired chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell during metaphase I, similar to mitosis. In anaphase I, the homologous chromosomes separate and move to opposite ends of the cell.
Remember this: Crossing over only happens with autosomes because they're the only truly homologous chromosomes. This process is key to why you're unique!
Meiosis II
By the end of Meiosis I, we have two cells, each with 46 chromosomes. But unlike mitosis, these cells don't return to interphase - they move straight into Meiosis II for a second division.
Meiosis II starts with prophase II, where there's no nuclear membrane present. During anaphase II, the sister chromatids separate and move to opposite sides of the cell - a key difference from anaphase I, which separated homologous chromosomes.
By telophase II, each side of the cell has 23 chromosomes. Cytokinesis follows, splitting the cytoplasm of both cells to create four haploid cells with 23 chromosomes each.
The four gametes formed through meiosis are all genetically different from each other and from the parent cell. This genetic diversity is what makes every person unique (except identical twins) and helps species adapt to environmental changes over time.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
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Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
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I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
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iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Meiosis: Key Stages and Concepts
Kaity
@kayunity
Meiosis is a special type of cell division that creates sex cells (gametes) with half the normal number of chromosomes. Unlike mitosis, which creates identical cells, meiosis creates genetic diversity that's essential for sexual reproduction and helps species adapt to... Show more
Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction
Meiosis has a specific purpose that's different from mitosis. While mitosis helps cells grow and replace damaged cells, meiosis produces haploid gametes that are crucial for sexual reproduction.
Sexual reproduction happens when an egg and sperm combine to create offspring that are genetically different from their parents. This genetic variation helps species adapt to changing environments, giving them a survival advantage.
There are two types of fertilization in sexual reproduction: external (eggs and sperm meet outside the mother) and internal (eggs and sperm meet inside the mother). Regardless of the type, male and female gametes unite to form a zygote that will develop into a new organism.
Quick Fact: Your genes are made of DNA molecules that combine to form chromosomes, which are stored in the nucleus - often called the "control center" of the cell.
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Chromosomes and Meiosis Basics
According to chromosome theory, genes travel from parents to offspring through chromosomes. You receive one set from each parent - in humans, that's 23 chromosomes from mum and 23 from dad, giving you a total of 46 chromosomes in each body cell.
Organisms with two sets of chromosomes (like humans) are called diploid (2n). Gametes (egg and sperm cells) only have one set and are called haploid (n). This reduction in chromosome number happens through meiosis.
Meiosis is similar to mitosis but includes two cell divisions instead of one. This creates four daughter cells rather than two. Without meiosis, a fertilized egg would have too many chromosomes (92 in humans), which wouldn't be compatible with life.
During meiosis, the cell first duplicates its DNA (creating 92 chromosomes), then divides once to produce two cells with 46 chromosomes each. These cells divide again to create four cells with 23 chromosomes each - the perfect number for gametes!
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Meiosis I
Meiosis has two main parts (Meiosis I and Meiosis II), each with four phases like mitosis: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Let's explore what happens in Meiosis I.
During prophase I, the chromatin coils into chromosomes, and homologous chromosomes pair up to form tetrads (two chromosomes made of four chromatids). This is when crossing over occurs - a crucial process where homologous chromosomes swap genetic information, creating genetic variation in the offspring.
The paired chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell during metaphase I, similar to mitosis. In anaphase I, the homologous chromosomes separate and move to opposite ends of the cell.
Remember this: Crossing over only happens with autosomes because they're the only truly homologous chromosomes. This process is key to why you're unique!
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Meiosis II
By the end of Meiosis I, we have two cells, each with 46 chromosomes. But unlike mitosis, these cells don't return to interphase - they move straight into Meiosis II for a second division.
Meiosis II starts with prophase II, where there's no nuclear membrane present. During anaphase II, the sister chromatids separate and move to opposite sides of the cell - a key difference from anaphase I, which separated homologous chromosomes.
By telophase II, each side of the cell has 23 chromosomes. Cytokinesis follows, splitting the cytoplasm of both cells to create four haploid cells with 23 chromosomes each.
The four gametes formed through meiosis are all genetically different from each other and from the parent cell. This genetic diversity is what makes every person unique (except identical twins) and helps species adapt to environmental changes over time.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user