Meiosis is a specialized cell division process crucial for sexual reproduction, producing gametes with half the chromosomal count of parent cells through two distinct divisions.
Key points:
- Meiosis I performs reduction division, halving chromosome numbers
- Meiosis II maintains chromosome numbers while separating sister chromatids
- Process creates four haploid cells from one diploid cell
- Essential for creating genetic diversity through crossing over
- Differs significantly from mitosis in purpose and outcome
