reduction division: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific (Biology)
Quick answer
What does “reduction division” mean?
A biological process (meiosis) where a cell divides to produce gametes with half the original chromosome number.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A biological process (meiosis) where a cell divides to produce gametes with half the original chromosome number.
In a general scientific context, can refer to any process of halving or significantly reducing the quantity or number of components in a system, often through division.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical differences. Usage is identical across scientific communities.
Connotations
Purely technical, carries no regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both regions, confined to academic biology texts and discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “reduction division” in a Sentence
The cell undergoes reduction division.Reduction division occurs in the gonads.The key feature of reduction division is the halving of the chromosome number.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reduction division” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The primary spermatocyte is preparing to reduce and divide.
American English
- The cell will undergo reduction division next.
adjective
British English
- The reduction-division phase is critical for genetic diversity.
American English
- The reduction division process was observed under the microscope.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Central term in genetics and reproductive biology curricula. Used in textbooks, research papers, and lectures.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in cytology, embryology, and genetics laboratories and literature.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reduction division”
- Using 'reduction division' to refer to the second division of meiosis (meiosis II), which is equational.
- Confusing it with 'mitosis', which produces identical diploid cells.
- Misspelling as 'reduction devision'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is specifically the first division of meiosis (Meiosis I), where homologous chromosomes separate. The term 'meiosis' encompasses both reduction division and the subsequent equational division (Meiosis II).
In the gonads: the ovaries (in females) and the testes (in males), during the production of eggs and sperm.
It is crucial for sexual reproduction because it halves the chromosome number, allowing the fusion of two gametes to restore the diploid number in the offspring. It also introduces genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment.
Reduction division produces genetically unique haploid cells (half the chromosomes) for reproduction, while mitosis produces genetically identical diploid cells for growth and repair.
A biological process (meiosis) where a cell divides to produce gametes with half the original chromosome number.
Reduction division is usually technical/scientific (biology) in register.
Reduction division: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈdʌkʃn dɪˈvɪʒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈdʌkʃən dɪˈvɪʒən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think REDUCTION = REDUCE the chromosome number by half through a DIVISION.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIVISION AS DISTRIBUTION (splitting and allocating genetic material).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary result of reduction division?