What is the result of Meiosis I?

• A. Two diploid cells with duplicated chromosomes
• B. Four haploid cells with single chromosomes
• C. Two haploid cells with duplicated chromosomes
• D. Four diploid cells with single chromosomes

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the production of gametes or spores.
2. Meiosis consists of two consecutive divisions: Meiosis I and Meiosis II. Meiosis I is the reductional division where homologous chromosomes are separated.
3. During Meiosis I, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material through a process called crossing over, which occurs in prophase I.
4. At the end of Meiosis I, the homologous chromosomes are separated into two different cells. Each of these cells is haploid, meaning they contain half the number of chromosomes as the original cell, but each chromosome is still duplicated (consisting of two sister chromatids).
5. Therefore, the result of Meiosis I is two haploid cells with duplicated chromosomes, which sets the stage for Meiosis II, where sister chromatids will be separated.