Final answer:
Meiosis is a type of cell division that occurs in gamete-producing cells within the gonads, producing four haploid daughter cells from a diploid cell and contributing to genetic diversity in sexual reproduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of cell that undergoes meiosis is the gamete-producing cell. These cells are found in the gonads; specifically, in the testes of males and the ovaries of females.
During meiosis, which comprises two consecutive cell divisions known as meiosis I and meiosis II, a diploid cell with pairs of homologous chromosomes produces four haploid daughter cells. Each haploid daughter cell contains half the genetic material of the original cell, with one chromosome from each pair, leading to genetic diversity in sexual reproduction.
Meiosis is crucial for sexual reproduction because it ensures that gametes (sperm and eggs) carry only one set of chromosomes. This is important for maintaining the species-specific chromosome number when gametes unite during fertilization to form a zygote.
Therefore, meiosis not only contributes to genetic variation through crossing-over and independent assortment but also prepares cells for sexual reproduction through gametogenesis.