Understand the basic definitions: Diploid cells contain two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, while haploid cells contain only one set of chromosomes.
Recognize the process of meiosis: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the production of haploid cells from diploid cells.
Identify the role of meiosis in sexual reproduction: Meiosis produces gametes (sperm and eggs) which are haploid, ensuring that when fertilization occurs, the resulting zygote is diploid.
Clarify the chromosome number: In humans, diploid cells have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs), while haploid cells have 23 chromosomes (no pairs).
Distinguish between mitosis and meiosis: Mitosis is the process by which diploid cells divide to produce identical diploid cells, whereas meiosis produces genetically diverse haploid cells.