In the context of meiotic genetics, what is a reproductive cell (gamete)?

• A. A haploid cell produced by meiosis that can fuse with another haploid cell during fertilization to form a diploid zygote
• B. A cell that contains two identical copies of each chromosome because it has completed DNA replication but not cell division
• C. A diploid somatic cell produced by mitosis that functions in growth and tissue repair
• D. A haploid cell produced by mitosis that develops into genetically identical offspring without fertilization

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of a gamete in the context of meiosis: A gamete is a reproductive cell involved in sexual reproduction.
2. Recall that meiosis is a special type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing haploid cells from diploid cells.
3. Recognize that haploid cells contain one set of chromosomes, which is essential for maintaining chromosome number after fertilization.
4. Identify that gametes are produced by meiosis and are haploid, meaning they have half the chromosome number of somatic cells.
5. Note that during fertilization, two haploid gametes fuse to form a diploid zygote, restoring the full chromosome number.