Final answer:
Meiosis involves two rounds of cell division, resulting in four genetically unique haploid gametes. These cells are not identical to the parent cell or to each other due to genetic variation introduced through crossing-over.
Step-by-step explanation:
During meiosis, two rounds of cell division take place. The process begins with a single diploid cell, which undergoes DNA replication during the interphase preceding meiosis I. This is followed by two distinct stages, Meiosis I and Meiosis II. Meiosis I includes phases similar to mitosis: prophase I, metaphase I, anaphase I, and telophase I. This stage is followed by Meiosis II, which also proceeds through similar phases as mitosis: prophase II, metaphase II, anaphase II, and telophase II. However, during Meiosis I, a significant event called crossing-over occurs only during prophase I, contributing to genetic diversity.
The final products of meiosis are four genetically unique haploid cells, with each containing half the number of chromosomes found in the original parental cell. In humans, this results in each cell having 23 chromosomes. These haploid cells are known as gametes, which in animals are sperm and eggs. The purpose of meiosis is to produce these sex cells for sexual reproduction, leading to offspring with genetic variation.
As a result of this process, the daughter cells produced by meiosis are not identical to the parent cell and also not identical to each other, due to the genetic shuffling and reduction of chromosome numbers.