In the process of meiosis, are the resulting daughter cells genetically identical or non-identical to the parent cell?

• A. Identical in some aspects
• B. Genetically non-identical
• C. Partially identical
• D. Genetically identical

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of meiosis: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four haploid cells, each genetically distinct from the parent cell.
2. Recognize the stages of meiosis: Meiosis consists of two consecutive divisions, meiosis I and meiosis II, each with specific phases (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase).
3. Focus on genetic variation: During meiosis I, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material through a process called crossing over, which contributes to genetic diversity.
4. Consider the outcome of meiosis: The result is four genetically non-identical daughter cells, each with a unique combination of genes due to independent assortment and crossing over.
5. Compare meiosis to mitosis: Unlike mitosis, which produces genetically identical daughter cells, meiosis results in genetic variation, which is crucial for evolution and adaptation.