In the process of meiosis, what type of cells are produced as haploid?

• A. Somatic cells
• B. Zygotes
• C. Stem cells
• D. Gametes

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of meiosis: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the production of haploid cells. This is crucial for sexual reproduction.
2. Identify the types of cells involved: Meiosis specifically produces gametes, which are reproductive cells such as sperm and eggs. These cells are haploid, meaning they contain one set of chromosomes.
3. Differentiate between haploid and diploid cells: Haploid cells have one set of chromosomes (n), while diploid cells have two sets (2n). Meiosis results in haploid cells to ensure that when two gametes fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote is diploid.
4. Recognize the role of gametes: Gametes are the only cells produced by meiosis that are haploid. They are essential for sexual reproduction, allowing for genetic diversity through the combination of genetic material from two parents.
5. Clarify why other cell types are not produced by meiosis: Somatic cells, zygotes, and stem cells are not produced by meiosis. Somatic cells are diploid and make up most of the body's tissues, zygotes are formed from the fusion of two gametes, and stem cells can differentiate into various cell types but are not directly produced by meiosis.