Final answer:
The reduction division that halves the number of chromosomes from 46 to 23 occurs during meiosis I, which is distinct from mitosis and essential for producing diverse haploid germ cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of reduction division refers to the part of meiosis where the number of chromosomes is halved from the diploid number (46 in humans) to the haploid number (23 in humans). This pivotal event occurs during meiosis I, in which homologous chromosomes are separated into different cells. Unlike mitosis, which creates genetically identical diploid somatic cells, reduction division in meiosis I ensures that germ cells are haploid and genetically diverse, a key aspect of sexual reproduction ensuring genetic variation.
Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces haploid cells, or gametes, with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Meiosis consists of two divisions: meiosis I and meiosis II. Meiosis I is the reduction division, where homologous chromosomes pair up, exchange genetic material, and separate, resulting in two haploid cells. Meiosis II is similar to mitosis and involves the separation of sister chromatids, resulting in four unique haploid cells.