Which cells are produced as a direct result of meiosis in sexually reproducing organisms?

• A. Cells with double the chromosome number of the parent cell due to chromosome duplication without division
• B. Two identical diploid daughter cells produced by one round of DNA replication and cell division
• C. Haploid gametes (sex cells) with half the chromosome number of the parent cell
• D. Diploid somatic cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of meiosis: Meiosis is a special type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half to produce gametes (sex cells) in sexually reproducing organisms.
2. Recall the chromosome number before and after meiosis: The parent cell starts as diploid (2n), meaning it has two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.
3. Recognize the outcome of meiosis: After meiosis, the resulting cells are haploid (n), containing only one set of chromosomes, which is half the number of the original diploid cell.
4. Identify the type of cells produced: These haploid cells are gametes (such as sperm and egg cells) that can fuse during fertilization to restore the diploid number in the offspring.
5. Contrast meiosis with mitosis: Unlike mitosis, which produces two identical diploid somatic cells, meiosis produces four genetically diverse haploid gametes.