Final answer:
A parent cell with 16 chromosomes undergoing meiosis will produce gametes with 8 chromosomes each, as meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half to ensure genetic diversity and maintain the species-specific chromosome number upon fertilization.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a parent cell has 16 chromosomes and undergoes meiosis, the resulting cells, known as gametes, will each have 8 chromosomes. Meiosis is a special type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in haploid cells. This reduction is necessary so that when two gametes fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote will have the correct number of chromosomes. For instance, in humans, with a diploid number of 46 chromosomes, meiosis produces gametes with 23 chromosomes. Similarly, if a species with a diploid number of 32 undergoes meiosis, the gametes formed would have 16 chromosomes.
Each of the four daughter cells produced from meiosis is genetically unique due to the independent assortment of chromosomes and crossing over events. This variation is essential for the diversity observed in sexually reproducing populations. It is important to note that the gametes carry only half the genetic information of the parent cell, ensuring that upon fertilization, the correct diploid number is restored.