What is it? Meiosis is a process of cellular division in which the number of chromosomes are cut in half. All sexually reproducing organisms go through this process of cellular division.
Interphase chromosomes are duplicated, and from this sister chromatids are created. When meiosis begins, a spindle fiber begins to form while the centrosomes begin migrating to opposite sides of the cell. The spindle then fully forms and microtubules from the opposite poles attach to each chromosome of the homologous pair. In Metaphase 1, the chromosomes are in the middle of the cell. Anaphase then begins with the separation of the chromosomes to opposite poles, each containing a pair of sister chromatids. The final stages are telophase and cytokinesis occur resulting in two daughter cells being formed, each having 23 chromosomes instead of the original 46. Task The task for today's lesson is to understand that meiosis is an important cellular division that allows for chromosomes to be replicated and produce cells ready for reproduction.
Steps
Step 1: Allow the students to talk among themselves and create a list of similarities they find between meiosis and mitosis.
Step 2: Discuss as a class the differences and simliarities of the two processes.
Step 3: Watch the video below entitled "Biology Meiosis cell division" and take notes
Step 4: Collectively as a class, discuss the importance of meiosis and the process in general.
Step 5: Have the students take out their tablet and annotate the image from the teachers digital microscope. Assessment