Extract from the CD-ROM – Convection within the Earth developed in partnership with the ENS.


Meiosis and genetic recombination

Meiosis is a double-cell division that leads to production of reproductive cells (gametes).

The mother cell, that has two sets of chromosomes (diploid = 2n), divides twice two give four daughter cells with one set of chromosome (haploid = n). During the first division takes place a crossing-over, a process by which genetic information swaps between homologous chromosomes, creating variability.