Final answer:
Meiosis is a biological process that produces genetically diverse haploid gametes. It introduces genetic variation through crossover events and independent assortment, contributing to genetic diversity in sexually reproducing populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Meiosis is a cellular process that helps maintain genetic diversity, allows for sexual reproduction, and ultimately creates gametes—sperm and eggs. This process ensures that each gamete contains half the DNA of a parent cell, a condition known as being haploid. During meiosis I, genetic variability is introduced through two main mechanisms:
- Crossover events during prophase I, where nonsister chromatids exchange DNA segments, creating recombinant chromatids with new combinations of genes.
- Independent assortment during metaphase I, where the random orientation of chromosome pairs leads to unique combinations of chromosomes in each gamete.
Therefore, through crossover and independent assortment, meiosis allows for genetic variation, which is crucial for evolution and survival of species. Sexual reproduction, facilitated by meiosis, results in offspring with mixed genetic material from two parents, leading to genetically unique individuals.
Comparatively, mitosis results in the creation of genetically identical cells. In contrast, meiosis produces haploid gametes that are genetically distinct, setting the stage for increased diversity in the subsequent generation when these gametes fuse during fertilization.