reduction division
- noun
- /rɪˈdʌkʃən dɪˈvɪʒən/
- Specialized
:
división reduccional
- The process of reduction division ensures that offspring inherit the correct number of chromosomes from each parent.
Examples
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During reduction division, homologous chromosomes separate into different cells.
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Biology students observed the stages of reduction division under the microscope.
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During reduction division, gametes are formed.
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What happens during reduction division?
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Biology students observed the stages of reduction division under the microscope.
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During reduction division, homologous chromosomes separate into different cells.
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The process of reduction division ensures that offspring inherit the correct number of chromosomes from each parent.
Synonyms
1
7.7
A cell division that makes four sex cells each with half the chromosomes
A cell division that makes eggs and sperm with half the normal chromosomes
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun-noun compound is compositionally regular: 'reduction' (decreasing) + 'division' (a splitting process) yields the straightforward meaning 'a division that reduces (something)'. A B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer it denotes a type of division that reduces quantity (here, chromosome number), though recognizing the precise technical referent (meiosis) would require biology background.
Etymology
Reduction division comes from the simple image of division, cutting or splitting something, that makes a reduction, something smaller, like cutting a pile of cards in half so each pile has fewer cards. So in biology it means 'to make sex cells with half the usual number of chromosomes'.