In a typical diploid organism, what are the products of meiosis?

• A. Two genetically distinct haploid daughter cells
• B. Four genetically identical diploid daughter cells
• C. Two genetically identical diploid daughter cells
• D. Four genetically distinct haploid daughter cells (gametes or spores)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing haploid cells from a diploid parent cell.
2. Understand that meiosis consists of two successive divisions: meiosis I and meiosis II, which together result in four daughter cells.
3. Recognize that during meiosis I, homologous chromosomes separate, leading to genetic recombination and variation among the resulting cells.
4. Note that meiosis II separates sister chromatids, similar to mitosis, but the cells remain haploid after this division.
5. Conclude that the final products of meiosis are four genetically distinct haploid daughter cells, which can develop into gametes or spores.