During meiosis, how many times does a single diploid cell divide to produce haploid cells?

• A. Once
• B. Four times
• C. Three times
• D. Twice (meiosis I and meiosis II)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that meiosis is a special type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing haploid cells from a diploid cell.
2. Recall that meiosis consists of two main stages: meiosis I and meiosis II, each involving one round of cell division.
3. Recognize that meiosis I is the first division where homologous chromosomes separate, reducing the chromosome number from diploid to haploid.
4. Know that meiosis II is the second division where sister chromatids separate, similar to mitosis, resulting in four haploid cells.
5. Conclude that a single diploid cell divides twice during meiosis to produce haploid cells.