meiosis

meiosis definition - medical

mei·o·sis (mī-ōˈsĭs)

noun pl. mei·o·ses (-sēzˌ)
The special process of cell division in sexually reproducing organisms that results in the formation of gametes, consisting of two nuclear divisions in rapid succession that in turn result in the formation of four gametocytes, each containing half the number of chromosomes that is found in somatic cells.

Related Forms:

  • mei·otˈic (-ŏtˈĭk) adjective

Related Forms:

  • mei·otˈi·cal·ly adverb

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meiosis

light and dark chromosomes indicate chromosomes from two different individuals

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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