Which of the following best describes the products of meiosis?

• A. Two haploid cells, each genetically identical to the parent cell
• B. Four diploid cells, each genetically identical to each other
• C. Two diploid cells, identical to the parent cell
• D. Four haploid cells, each genetically distinct from the parent cell

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the process of meiosis. Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the production of haploid cells. It consists of two consecutive divisions: meiosis I and meiosis II.
2. Step 2: Recall the key difference between haploid and diploid cells. Diploid cells contain two sets of chromosomes (2n), one from each parent, while haploid cells contain only one set of chromosomes (n). Meiosis produces haploid cells to ensure genetic diversity in sexual reproduction.
3. Step 3: Analyze the genetic variation introduced during meiosis. Genetic diversity arises due to crossing over during prophase I (exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes) and independent assortment during metaphase I (random distribution of homologous chromosomes). This ensures that the resulting cells are genetically distinct.
4. Step 4: Examine the final products of meiosis. After meiosis I, two haploid cells are formed, and after meiosis II, these two cells divide again to produce four haploid cells. Each of these cells is genetically distinct due to the processes mentioned in step 3.
5. Step 5: Compare the options provided in the problem. The correct answer is 'Four haploid cells, each genetically distinct from the parent cell,' because meiosis results in four haploid cells that are genetically unique due to crossing over and independent assortment.