In sexually reproducing eukaryotes, what does meiosis produce from a single diploid germ cell?

• A. Two genetically identical diploid daughter cells
• B. Four genetically distinct haploid cells (gametes or spores)
• C. One diploid cell with twice the original amount of DNA
• D. Four genetically identical diploid daughter cells

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that meiosis is a special type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, which is essential for sexual reproduction in eukaryotes.
2. Recall that a diploid germ cell contains two sets of chromosomes (2n), one from each parent.
3. Recognize that meiosis consists of two consecutive divisions: meiosis I and meiosis II, which together produce four cells.
4. Note that during meiosis, genetic recombination (crossing over) occurs, leading to genetic variation among the resulting cells.
5. Conclude that meiosis produces four genetically distinct haploid (n) cells, which are gametes or spores, each containing half the chromosome number of the original diploid germ cell.