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Multiple Choice
Which type of cell division results in half the number of chromosomes as the original cell?
A
Mitosis
B
Budding
C
Binary fission
D
Meiosis
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the purpose of meiosis: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four haploid cells from one diploid cell. This is essential for sexual reproduction.
Compare meiosis with mitosis: Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell, while meiosis results in cells with half the number of chromosomes.
Recognize the stages of meiosis: Meiosis consists of two consecutive divisions, meiosis I and meiosis II. Meiosis I is where the chromosome number is halved.
Identify the key event in meiosis I: During meiosis I, homologous chromosomes are separated, reducing the chromosome number by half. This is different from mitosis, where sister chromatids are separated.
Understand the significance of meiosis: Meiosis ensures genetic diversity through recombination and independent assortment, and it is crucial for maintaining the chromosome number across generations in sexually reproducing organisms.