Final answer:
Meiosis acts to reduce the number of chromosomes per cell from two sets to one set in life cycles with alternating haploid and diploid stages. During meiosis, the homologous chromosomes separate, resulting in four haploid daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
Step-by-step explanation:
Meiosis acts to reduce the number of chromosomes per cell from two sets to one set. In sexually reproducing organisms with life cycles that alternate between haploid and diploid stages, meiosis is responsible for producing haploid gametes. During meiosis, the homologous chromosomes separate, resulting in four haploid daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
Meiosis acts to reduce the number of chromosomes per cell from two sets to one set in life cycles with alternating haploid and diploid stages. During meiosis, the homologous chromosomes separate, resulting in four haploid daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.