Answer: Haploid cells contain one set of chromosomes, while diploid cells contain two sets. Meiosis is the cellular process that gives rise to haploid cells. It involves two successive divisions and results in the formation of four genetically unique haploid daughter cells from one diploid parent cell.
Step-by-step explanation:
In sexually reproducing organisms, haploid and diploid are terms used to describe the number of sets of chromosomes in a cell.
1) Haploid: Haploid cells contain only one set of chromosomes. In other words, they have half the number of chromosomes compared to diploid cells. Haploid cells are denoted as "n" in genetics. Examples of haploid cells in humans are sperm and egg cells (gametes).
2) Diploid: Diploid cells contain two sets of chromosomes. They have the full complement of chromosomes for the species. Diploid cells are denoted as "2n" in genetics. Most cells in the human body, except for sperm and egg cells, are diploid.
The cellular process that gives rise to haploid cells is called meiosis. Meiosis involves two successive cell divisions, resulting in the formation of four haploid daughter cells from one diploid parent cell.
Here is a step-by-step explanation of meiosis:
1) Prophase I: The chromosomes condense and pair up, forming homologous pairs. This allows for exchange of genetic material between the paired chromosomes, a process known as crossing over.
2) Metaphase I: The homologous pairs align along the cell's equator.
3) Anaphase I: The homologous chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles of the cell.
4) Telophase I and Cytokinesis: The cell divides into two daughter cells, each containing one set of chromosomes.
5) Prophase II: The chromosomes condense again.
6) Metaphase II: The chromosomes align along the equator of each daughter cell.
7) Anaphase II: The sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cells.
8) Telophase II and Cytokinesis: The cells divide again, resulting in a total of four haploid daughter cells.
Meiosis ensures genetic diversity by shuffling and recombining genetic material between homologous chromosomes during crossing over. This process produces genetically unique haploid cells that can later combine during fertilization to form a new diploid organism.