Which of the following best describes meiosis?

• A. A type of cell division that results in four genetically identical daughter cells
• B. A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically diverse daughter cells
• C. A process that involves the replication of DNA without cell division
• D. A process that occurs in somatic cells to produce two identical daughter cells

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that meiosis is a specialized type of cell division distinct from mitosis, primarily involved in sexual reproduction.
2. Recognize that meiosis consists of two consecutive divisions: Meiosis I and Meiosis II, which together reduce the chromosome number by half.
3. During Meiosis I, homologous chromosomes are separated, which is crucial for reducing the chromosome number from diploid to haploid.
4. In Meiosis II, the sister chromatids are separated, similar to mitosis, resulting in four genetically diverse haploid daughter cells.
5. The genetic diversity in the daughter cells is due to processes such as crossing over and independent assortment that occur during meiosis.