Meiosis is gamete.
Meiosis is a type of cell division that occurs specifically in the formation of gametes (sex cells), such as sperm and egg cells. It's crucial for sexual reproduction because it reduces the chromosome number by half. Somatic cells, which are all the other cells in the body besides sex cells, undergo mitosis for growth and repair, not meiosis. Therefore, meiosis is associated with gamete production, not somatic cells.
Here's a breakdown:
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Somatic Cells: These are body cells (e.g., skin cells, muscle cells, nerve cells). They divide by mitosis, producing identical copies for growth, repair, and maintenance. They are diploid (2n), meaning they have two sets of chromosomes.
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Gametes: These are sex cells (sperm and egg cells). They are formed through meiosis, a special type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half. They are haploid (n), meaning they have only one set of chromosomes. During fertilization, a sperm and egg fuse to form a diploid zygote.
| Characteristic | Somatic Cells | Gametes |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Type | Body Cells | Sex Cells |
| Division | Mitosis | Meiosis |
| Chromosome # | Diploid (2n) | Haploid (n) |
| Purpose | Growth/Repair | Reproduction |
In summary, meiosis is directly involved in gamete formation, ensuring genetic diversity in offspring.
