Meiosis, the antithesis of fertilization, is the unique genetically programmed mode of nuclear division associated with a halving of the chromosome number in sexually reproducing eukaryotes. It thus represents a key cellular and developmental pathway in the life of an organism. In this book, Bernard John presents the first complete, and the most authoritative, review of the events and mechanisms of meiosis including their scheduling, their mechanics and their biochemistry as well as their genetic control and the variations to be found in them in both sexual and subsexual systems. The text is superbly illustrated with 131 figures and 73 tables. Meiosis must be regarded as essential reading for all students, teachers and research workers with an interest in eukaryotic cell biology and genetics.

"This book by John, an established expert in the study of meiosis, should be welcomed in the hope that it will serve as a cornerstone in defining problems awaiting genetic and molecular solutions." Science

"Meiosis by Bernard John, from the series Developmental and Cell Biology, is an excellent source for educating oneself in the subject." Cell

"On the whole this book is meticulous and approaches encyclopedic coverage. It is a must addition for workers in the field who will welcome its informativeness and rich source of references. It is a monumental work." Marjorie P. Maguire, American Journal of Human Biology

"...this treatise by B. John is a significant review of meiotic systems, and cell biologists, geneticists, systematists, and evolutionists will find it a very useful reference." R.C. Jackson, Plant Genetics Newsletter