Which statement best describes the outcome of meiosis in terms of the number of daughter cells and their genetic makeup?

Which statement best describes the outcome of meiosis in terms of the number of daughter cells and their genetic makeup?

• A. Four haploid daughter cells that are genetically different
• B. Two diploid daughter cells that are genetically identical
• C. Four haploid daughter cells that are genetically identical
• D. One diploid cell

Answer: (A)

Meiosis produces four haploid daughter cells that are genetically diverse. The process involves two rounds of division that cut chromosome number in half, changing a diploid into haploid gametes. Genetic diversity arises because homologous chromosomes pair and exchange genetic material during prophase I (crossing over), and because the orientation of chromosome pairs is random during metaphase I (independent assortment). Then the second division splits sister chromatids, yielding four haploid cells that are not genetically identical to each other or to the starting cell. That combination—four haploid cells with unique gene assortments—is why this description fits best. The alternative of two diploid cells describes mitosis, and four haploid cells that are genetically identical would ignore crossing over and independent assortment; one diploid cell would imply no division at all.

Meiosis produces four haploid daughter cells that are genetically diverse. The process involves two rounds of division that cut chromosome number in half, changing a diploid into haploid gametes. Genetic diversity arises because homologous chromosomes pair and exchange genetic material during prophase I (crossing over), and because the orientation of chromosome pairs is random during metaphase I (independent assortment). Then the second division splits sister chromatids, yielding four haploid cells that are not genetically identical to each other or to the starting cell. That combination—four haploid cells with unique gene assortments—is why this description fits best. The alternative of two diploid cells describes mitosis, and four haploid cells that are genetically identical would ignore crossing over and independent assortment; one diploid cell would imply no division at all.