Final answer:
Normal meiosis results in the formation of four genetically unique haploid cells named gametes. These cells develop further in a process called gametogenesis, becoming mature eggs and sperm capable of fertilization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Normal meiosis produces four genetically diverse haploid cells known as gametes (eggs and sperm).
During the process of sexual reproduction, two haploid gametes, one from each parent, unite during fertilization to form a zygote. Gametes are crucial for this process as they are haploid cells, each carrying only one set of chromosomes. In humans, this means they carry 23 chromosomes. A diploid parental cell goes through meiosis to create four unique haploid daughter cells.
Meiosis includes two main stages: meiosis I and meiosis II, with each stage comprising four phases—prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. After meiosis, the haploid cells undergo gametogenesis, developing into mature gametes ready for fertilization. In males, this process is called spermatogenesis and results in the formation of sperm. In females, it is called oogenesis and typically results in one mature egg from the four haploid cells produced by meiosis.