Mitosis occurs during the cell cycle, while which process occurs during the production of gametes?

• A. Budding
• B. Meiosis
• C. Binary fission
• D. Regeneration

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the question. Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells and is involved in growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. The question asks about the process involved in the production of gametes, which are reproductive cells (sperm and egg).
2. Step 2: Recall that gametes are produced through a specialized type of cell division called meiosis. Meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half, ensuring that when gametes fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote has the correct chromosome number.
3. Step 3: Compare the options provided: Budding, Binary fission, Regeneration, and Meiosis. Budding is a form of asexual reproduction seen in organisms like yeast. Binary fission is another form of asexual reproduction used by prokaryotes. Regeneration refers to the ability of organisms to regrow lost parts, such as a starfish regenerating an arm. None of these processes are involved in gamete production.
4. Step 4: Identify meiosis as the correct answer because it is the process specifically designed for the production of gametes in sexually reproducing organisms.
5. Step 5: Conclude that meiosis is the correct process for gamete production, as it ensures genetic diversity and maintains the species' chromosome number across generations.