Difference Between Meiosis I and Meiosis II

Here we are going to discuss about the major differences between Meiosis I and Meiosis II:

Aspects

Meiosis I

Meiosis II

Purpose

Reductional division

Equational division

Preceding Events

Preceded by interphase

Preceded by Meiosis I

Number of Divisions

One

Two

Starting Cells

Diploid cells (2n)

Haploid cells (n)

Homologous Chromosomes

Homologous chromosomes pair and undergo crossing over

No crossing over, sister chromatids separate

Resulting Cells

Two haploid cells (n) with unique combinations of chromosomes

Four haploid cells (n), each genetically distinct

Chromosome Number

Halves the chromosome number

Maintains the chromosome number

Synapsis

Occurs during prophase I

Absent

Crossover

Occurs during prophase I

Absent

Separation of Chromatids

Homologous chromosomes separate

Sister chromatids separate

Genetic Variation

Increases due to crossing over and random assortment

Maintains genetic information from Meiosis I

Meiosis ll : Equational Cell Division

Meiosis II is the second phase of the cell division that separates the sister chromatids. Meiosis II is also known as equational cell division because the chromosome number at the end of meiosis II remains the same as at the end of meiosis I. It is a similar process of mitosis but genetic results are different for this process. In this process, a haploid parent cell divides into four genetically different haploid cells with non-duplicated chromosomes. Meiosis is responsible for forming the sperm and egg cells. This stage generally ensures genetic diversity. The process of meiosis consists of two stages: Meiosis I and Meiosis II. In this article, we will discuss Meiosis II and the different stages related to it.

Table of Content

  • Meiosis II
  • Meiosis II – Pictorial Representation
  • Stages of Meiosis II
  • Significance – Meiosis II
  • What is Meiosis?
  • Why Meiosis is called the Reductional Division?
  • Difference Between Meiosis I and Meiosis II

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Meiosis II

Meiosis II is the second stage of meiosis which is a specific cell division. It occurs specifically in the sexually reproducing organisms. The stage is responsible for the formation of gamete cells to sustain sexual reproduction. Meiosis II is also responsible for the genetic diversity in sexually reproducing organisms, particularly humans. In this process, a diploid parent cell divides into four genetically different haploid cells with non-duplicated chromosomes....

Meiosis II Diagram

At the time of Meiosis II, two haploid (n = 2) cells divide into four haploid (n = 2) cells. It is an important thing that these four haploid cells are genetically different from each other. In humans (2n = 46), we have 23 pairs of chromosomes. From the beginning till end, the number of chromosomes remains unchanged during the process of Meiosis II (n = 23)....

Stages of Meiosis II

Meiosis II is also known as equational cell division because it does not affect the chromosome number. The process leads to the formation of haploid cells. In this phase, two haploid cells go through further division which were created during the DNA replication process in the Meiosis stage I. Here are the four major stages of Meiosis II as mentioned below:...

Significance of Meiosis II

The process of Meiosis II is responsible for the formation of gamete cells to sustain sexual reproduction. Here are the major significance of this particular stage as mentioned below:...

Difference Between Meiosis I and Meiosis II

Here we are going to discuss about the major differences between Meiosis I and Meiosis II:...

What is Meiosis?

Meiosis is a specialized cell division process. It helps to produce gametes in sexually reproducing organisms. The meiosis process divides a particular cell by following two rounds that result in the creation of four genetically different haploid cells with non-duplicated chromosomes....

Why is meiosis called Reductional Division?

Meiosis is called the reductional division because the daughter cell’s chromosomes reduced to half of the parent cell. Meiosis is a special type of cell division. In this, each daughter cell receives half of the chromosomes from the parent cell after division. It means, the haploid daughter cells (n) are formed from a diploid parent cell (2n) during the process of cell division....

Conclusion

At the end of meiosis II, the chromosome number remain same. It is the second stage of meiosis. It occurs specifically in the sexually reproducing organisms. At the time of Meiosis II, two haploid (n = 2) cells divide into four haploid (n = 2) cells. It is an important thing that these four haploid cells are genetically different from each other. In humans (2n = 46), we have 23 pairs of chromosomes....

FAQs

What Happens in Meiosis II?...

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