NEETBotanyCell Cycle and Cell Division
What is the main purpose of meiosis?
Options
- ATo reduce the chromosome number by half
- BTo increase the chromosome number by half
- CTo replicate the DNA
- DTo repair the DNA
Correct answer
A. To reduce the chromosome number by half
Step-by-step solution
The production of offspring by sexual reproduction includes the fusion of two gametes, each with a complete haploid set of chromosomes. Gametes are formed from specialised diploid cells. This specialised kind of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half results in the production of haploid daughter cells. This kind of division is called meiosis. Meiosis ensures the production of haploid phase in the life cycle of sexually reproducing organisms whereas fertilisation restores the diploid phase. We come