Final answer:
Meiosis is the process by which haploid cells are produced for sexual reproduction through two division stages, resulting in four genetically unique daughter cells and contributing to genetic diversity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Meiosis
Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division that is crucial for sexual reproduction. This process creates haploid cells, or gametes, such as sperm and egg cells in humans. Unlike mitosis, which produces genetically identical diploid cells, meiosis consists of two rounds of nuclear division (Meiosis I and Meiosis II), resulting in four haploid daughter cells. Each of these cells contains half the number of chromosomes of the original diploid cell.
Key events that contribute to the genetic diversity of gametes include crossing-over during prophase I and the random alignment of chromosomes during metaphase I. These processes introduce variation in the resulting gametes, which, when fused during fertilization, can lead to genetically diverse offspring.
By reducing the chromosome number by half and shuffling genetic information, meiosis plays an essential role in sexual reproduction, ensuring that each new organism has a unique set of genetic traits. This genetic variability is a crucial factor in the survival and evolution of species.