Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Meiosis
Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically diverse gametes. It consists of two sequential divisions: meiosis I and meiosis II. This process is crucial for sexual reproduction, as it ensures that offspring have the same number of chromosomes as their parents when gametes fuse during fertilization.
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Chromosome Number
In humans, somatic cells contain 46 chromosomes, organized into 23 pairs. During meiosis, the chromosome number is halved, resulting in gametes that each contain 23 chromosomes. This reduction is essential for maintaining the species' chromosome number across generations when gametes combine during fertilization.
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Genetic Variation
Genetic variation refers to the differences in DNA sequences among individuals, which arise during meiosis through processes such as crossing over and independent assortment. These mechanisms shuffle genetic material, producing gametes that are genetically distinct from the original cell and from each other, contributing to the diversity of traits in a population.
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Genetic Variation During Meiosis