The special type of cell division that produces our sperm and egg cells. Meiosis is what reduces the chromosomes from 46 to 23 so when the egg and sperm combine, they form the complete set of 46. There’s two rounds of meiosis, called meiosis I and meiosis II, each with different stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase. These stages ensure that the chromosomes separate correctly to form egg or sperm cells. Errors during meiosis can lead to aneuploidy.
Synonyms:
prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, meiotic