Which of the following best describes the possible products of meiosis in plant and animal life cycles?

• A. Polyploid cells formed during fertilization
• B. Haploid cells such as gametes and spores
• C. Diploid cells such as zygotes and somatic cells
• D. Identical daughter cells for growth and repair

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of meiosis: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing cells that are genetically distinct from the parent cell.
2. Recall the chromosome number before and after meiosis: Meiosis starts with a diploid (2n) cell and produces haploid (n) cells, which contain half the number of chromosomes.
3. Identify the products of meiosis in different life cycles: In both plants and animals, meiosis produces haploid cells—gametes in animals (sperm and eggs) and spores in plants.
4. Differentiate meiosis from mitosis: Mitosis produces diploid, genetically identical daughter cells used for growth and repair, whereas meiosis produces haploid cells for sexual reproduction.
5. Conclude that the best description of meiosis products is haploid cells such as gametes and spores, as these are the cells that participate in fertilization and the continuation of the life cycle.