Final answer:
Meiosis is a two-part cell division process that reduces chromosome number by separating homologous chromosomes in Meiosis I, creating haploid cells which then divide in Meiosis II to produce four unique haploid gametes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division that produces haploid gametes from diploid cells. This process involves two consecutive cellular divisions known as Meiosis I and Meiosis II. During Meiosis I, which is often referred to as the reductional division, homologous chromosomes separate, leading to two daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosome sets as the original cell.
The haploid cells formed after Meiosis I have only one chromosome from each pair, which means the ploidy level of the cells has been reduced from diploid (two sets of chromosomes) to haploid (one set of chromosomes). Subsequently, Meiosis II, similar to mitosis, divides each daughter cell again without further reducing the number of chromosomes, thus maintaining the haploid state while creating four genetically unique haploid gametes.
The crucial difference between mitosis and meiosis in terms of chromosome number is that mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid daughter cells without altering the ploidy level, while meiosis results in four genetically distinct haploid cells suitable for sexual reproduction.
During sexual reproduction, these haploid gametes can combine to form a new diploid organism, thereby ensuring the consistency of chromosome number across generations.