Answer:
B
Explanation:
Meiosis is a type of cell division that results in four daughter cells with each having half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Because meiosis is the cell division employed in the production of gametes (reproductive cells), the reduction in chromosome number is very vital- without it, the union of two gametes during fertilization would result in offspring with twice the normal number of chromosomes. Hence, the cell does this by undergoing two rounds of nuclear and cytoplasmic division; Meiosis I and Meiosis II. This is unlike mitosis that undergoes one round.
In Meiosis I, homologous chromosomes pair up and lie side by side to form a TETRAD or BIVALENT structure. After which the homologous pair become separated in anaphase I. After cytokinesis, two daughter cells with reduced chromosome number arises i.e. haploid, n
N.B: A normal diploid (2n) organism contains 46 chromosomes, hence after meiosis I, two haploid daughter cells with 23 chromosomes (n) each arises.
In Meiosis II, which is similar to mitotic division, the individual chromosomes (sister chromatids) in each cell are pulled apart and separated to each pole. After cytokinesis, a total of four daughter cells arise. Since Meiosis II is similar to mitosis, no reduction occurs again. Hence, the four daughter cells or gametes will be haploid (n) in chromosomal number.
The four daughter cells are genetically different because meiosis creates new combinations of genetic material in each of the four daughter cells. Specifically, these new combinations result from the exchange of DNA between paired chromosomes in Prophase of meiosis I. This genetic exchange, called CROSSING-OVER or RECOMBINATION, means that the daughter cells produced through meiosis exhibit an amazing range of genetic variation unlike mitosis that produces genetically identical cells.
