Meiosis is a process where cells divide, but a bit differently to how they normally do. Normally, a cell copies all of its DNA before it divides, so that when it does split, the two new cells it makes have exactly the same DNA in them, and can keep dividing with the same DNA over and over again. That’s called mitosis, and most cells do this.
Some cells, like sperm and eggs, undergo meiosis. Meiosis is almost the same as mitosis, except when a cell does meiosis it doesn’t copy it’s DNA before it splits. So half of your DNA goes into one cell, and the other half into the other cell! Then, when the sperm and the egg cell meet, they join their DNA halves to make one whole cell, and that’s how a new human begins! It;s very important because it means every person is a mix of their parent’s DNA, so ever person is different.
Sam did a really good job at explaining meiosis to you. I don’t know about you, Lara but unless I have a video, or a picture I really can’t imagine cell division. I found this video about meiosis. Check it out! https://scienceforkids.kidipede.com/biology/cells/meiosis.htm
Lara the most important point about meiosis is, if we didn’t have meiosis, we would all be clones of each other! Meiosis is really what gives us the differences that we see between people. 🙂 So differences like blue eyes vs brown eyes! Its why we share some common physical features with mum and some with our dads.
lara
Hey lara you are asking some great questions!
Meiosis is a process where cells divide, but a bit differently to how they normally do. Normally, a cell copies all of its DNA before it divides, so that when it does split, the two new cells it makes have exactly the same DNA in them, and can keep dividing with the same DNA over and over again. That’s called mitosis, and most cells do this.
Some cells, like sperm and eggs, undergo meiosis. Meiosis is almost the same as mitosis, except when a cell does meiosis it doesn’t copy it’s DNA before it splits. So half of your DNA goes into one cell, and the other half into the other cell! Then, when the sperm and the egg cell meet, they join their DNA halves to make one whole cell, and that’s how a new human begins! It;s very important because it means every person is a mix of their parent’s DNA, so ever person is different.
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Sam did a really good job at explaining meiosis to you. I don’t know about you, Lara but unless I have a video, or a picture I really can’t imagine cell division. I found this video about meiosis. Check it out!
https://scienceforkids.kidipede.com/biology/cells/meiosis.htm
Lara the most important point about meiosis is, if we didn’t have meiosis, we would all be clones of each other! Meiosis is really what gives us the differences that we see between people. 🙂 So differences like blue eyes vs brown eyes! Its why we share some common physical features with mum and some with our dads.
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yes – definitely watch the video!
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