Meiosis is a special type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes by half, producing sex cells like sperm and eggs. It helps create genetic variety in offspring.
From Greek “meiosis” meaning 'lessening, diminution', from “meioun” 'to lessen', related to “meiōn” 'less'. Biologists used the term to describe the 'reduction division' that halves chromosome numbers. It contrasts with “mitosis”, which keeps the chromosome number the same.
Meiosis is nature’s shuffle mode: by halving and recombining chromosomes, it makes each sperm or egg genetically unique. The name literally means 'making less', but that reduction is what allows endless variation in living things.
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