In sexually reproducing organisms, what is the overall purpose of meiosis?

• A. To produce haploid gametes by reducing the chromosome number and generating genetic variation for sexual reproduction.
• B. To repair DNA damage by swapping nucleotides between homologous chromosomes without changing ploidy.
• C. To produce two genetically identical diploid daughter cells for growth and tissue repair.
• D. To replicate DNA without cell division so that chromosome number increases each generation.

Answer: (A)