Which process in cell division reduces chromosome number to form haploid gametes?

Which process in cell division reduces chromosome number to form haploid gametes?

• A. Meiosis
• B. Mitosis
• C. Cytokinesis
• D. Interphase

Answer: (A)

Meiosis is the process that reduces chromosome number from diploid to haploid, enabling the formation of gametes. It occurs in germ cells and involves two consecutive divisions. The first division is reductional: homologous chromosomes pair and then separate, halving the chromosome number in the daughter cells. The second division is equational: sister chromatids separate, producing four haploid cells. This reduction is essential so that fertilization restores the diploid chromosome count when two gametes fuse. Crossing over during prophase I and independent assortment also increase genetic variation among offspring. In contrast, mitosis preserves chromosome number, giving two diploid somatic cells, and cytokinesis and interphase refer to cytoplasmic division and the preparation phase, not chromosome reduction.

Meiosis is the process that reduces chromosome number from diploid to haploid, enabling the formation of gametes. It occurs in germ cells and involves two consecutive divisions. The first division is reductional: homologous chromosomes pair and then separate, halving the chromosome number in the daughter cells. The second division is equational: sister chromatids separate, producing four haploid cells. This reduction is essential so that fertilization restores the diploid chromosome count when two gametes fuse. Crossing over during prophase I and independent assortment also increase genetic variation among offspring. In contrast, mitosis preserves chromosome number, giving two diploid somatic cells, and cytokinesis and interphase refer to cytoplasmic division and the preparation phase, not chromosome reduction.