Final answer:
Meiosis is a cell division process that reduces chromosome number by half and produces sex cells (gametes). It involves two rounds of nuclear division, with the first division separating homologous chromosomes. Meiosis generates genetic variation through crossing-over and random alignment, resulting in genetically unique and different daughter cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Meiosis is a process of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half and produces sex cells, or gametes. It involves two rounds of nuclear division: Meiosis I and Meiosis II. During Meiosis I, homologous chromosomes line up and may exchange genetic material through a process called crossing-over. The duplicates take the form of sister chromatids. Meiosis generates unlimited variation through crossing-over in prophase I and random alignment of chromosomes in metaphase I. The first division of meiosis produces two haploid daughter cells that are genetically unique. The second division separates sister chromatids and produces four haploid daughter cells that are genetically different.