Meiosis yields which of the following outcomes?

• A. One diploid cell becomes two diploid cells
• B. Two haploid cells are produced
• C. Four haploid cells are produced
• D. Eight diploid cells are produced

Answer: (C)

Meiosis reduces the chromosome number and creates genetic variation by dividing twice. After DNA is replicated, meiosis proceeds through two rounds of division: meiosis I and meiosis II. In the first division, homologous chromosomes separate, giving two cells that are haploid in chromosome number but still have duplicated chromosomes. In the second division, the sister chromatids separate, producing four cells, each with a single set of chromosomes (haploid). So one diploid cell becomes four haploid cells. This setup is essential for sexual reproduction because it provides gametes with half the number of chromosomes, which combine to restore the diploid number in offspring. Crossing over during the first division also increases genetic diversity among the resulting cells.