NEETBotanyCell Cycle and Cell Division
What is the primary function of meiosis in sexually reproducing organisms?
Options
- ATo conserve specific chromosome number
- BTo reduce chromosome number by half
- CTo increase genetic variability
- DTo preserve the chromosome number intact
Correct answer
A. To conserve specific chromosome number
Step-by-step solution
Meiosis is the mechanism by which conservation of specific chromosome number of each species is achieved across generations in sexually reproducing organisms, even though the process, per se, paradoxically, results in reduction of chromosome number by half. It also increases the genetic variability in the population of organisms from one generation to the next. Variations are very important for the process of evolution.