Final answer:
The final result of meiosis is four haploid cells each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell, which is best described by option B. This process includes two cell divisions that reduce the chromosome number by half, resulting in genetically unique cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which best describes the final result of meiosis? The correct answer is B. four haploid cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Meiosis starts with a diploid cell, which has two sets of chromosomes, and ends with the formation of four haploid cells, each containing only one set of chromosomes. This is a reductional division where the chromosome number is halved, maintaining genetic diversity through a process that includes one round of DNA replication followed by two rounds of cell division.
During meiosis I, homologous chromosomes are separated, and two haploid cells are formed, each with one set of chromosomes. However, each chromosome still consists of two sister chromatids. Then, meiosis II separates these sister chromatids into individual chromosomes, which results in four unique haploid daughter cells. This is essential for sexual reproduction, where these haploid cells can fuse to form a new diploid organism, where each parent contributes half of the genetic material.
In humans, for example, the parent cell has 46 chromosomes, and the meiotic process results in gametes (sperm or eggs) that have 23 chromosomes, which is half the number of the parent cell.