Question

Which best summarizes the results of meiosis? (More than one answer may be correct, select all that apply.)

a) Four genetically identical daughter cells are produced.
b) Genetic variation is introduced through crossing over.
c) The chromosome number is halved.
d) Two genetically identical daughter cells are produced.

Answer 1

Meiosis produces four genetically unique haploid daughter cells, introduces genetic variation through crossing over, and reduces the chromosome number by half.

Step-by-step explanation:

The results of meiosis can be summarized by the following points: First, meiosis produces four genetically unique haploid daughter cells. Each daughter cell has half the number of chromosomes compared to the original diploid parent cell. This is because meiosis includes two rounds of nuclear division.

Secondly, genetic variation is introduced through the process of crossing over. This occurs during prophase I of meiosis, where non-sister chromatids exchange segments, resulting in a mix of parental genes. Lastly, unlike mitosis, which results in two genetically identical diploid daughter cells, meiosis ensures that each of the four daughter cells is both haploid and genetically distinct.