What is the significance of meiosis.

SIGNIFICANCE/IMPORTANCE OF MEIOSIS:

 The most significant features of meiosis are the halving of the chromosome number and the occurrence of chiasmata during the prophase of the first division. In the reproductive organs, certain cells give rise to gametes (e.g. sperms or ova) by a special kind of cell division which results in the gametes containing only half the number of chromosomes as compared to other cells of the organism. When the gametes fuse together during fertilization, the 2n chromosome number or diploid number is restored. There is a fixed number of chromosomes for each species, e.g. for man it is 46. 

The formation of chiasmata brings about a new combination of genes in the gametes. At each chiasma, an exchange of genetic material takes place between the maternal and paternal members of a homologous pair of chromosomes, the phenomenon is called crossing over. 

During fertilization, the male and female gametes unite. The offspring that results from this union will inherit a mixture of characters from both the parents. 

Thus meiosis keeps the chromosome number constant generation after generation and it provides a chance for genetic reshuffling so that a better species can result to suit the environment.