Question 45

Meiosis produces four daughter cells.

Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division that results in the formation of four genetically distinct daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes of the original parent cell.

A) Meiosis produces four daughter cells.

This statement is correct. Meiosis consists of two consecutive divisions, meiosis I and meiosis II, leading to the creation of four haploid daughter cells from one diploid parent cell. Each of these daughter cells has a unique combination of genetic material due to the processes of crossing over and independent assortment.

B) The number of chromosomes present in the parent cell is maintained in the daughter cells.

This statement is incorrect. In meiosis, the chromosome number is halved; the parent cell is diploid (2n), while the resulting daughter cells are haploid (n). This reduction is essential for sexual reproduction, allowing for the restoration of the diploid state upon fertilization.

C) The daughter cells that result from meiosis are diploid.

This statement is incorrect. The daughter cells produced by meiosis are haploid (n), containing half the number of chromosomes compared to the diploid parent cell. This reduction is crucial for maintaining the chromosome number across generations during sexual reproduction.

D) The daughter cells that result from meiosis are identical.

This statement is incorrect. The daughter cells resulting from meiosis are not identical; they are genetically diverse due to the processes of crossing over and independent assortment that occur during meiosis. This genetic variation is important for evolution and adaptation.

Conclusion

The correct answer, that meiosis produces four daughter cells, highlights the key outcome of this process, which is vital for sexual reproduction and genetic diversity. Other options fail to accurately describe the characteristics and outcomes of meiosis, particularly regarding chromosome number and genetic uniqueness.