What is the main purpose of meiosis?

• A. To produce two identical daughter cells
• B. To create gametes with half the original genetic information
• C. To repair damaged DNA in somatic cells
• D. To form a zygote from two haploid cells

Answer: (B)

The main purpose of meiosis is to create gametes, which are the reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) that carry half the original genetic information of an organism. This reduction in chromosome number is crucial for maintaining the stability of an organism's genome across generations. When gametes fuse during fertilization, they restore the diploid chromosome number in the resulting zygote.

Meiosis involves two rounds of cell division, reducing the chromosome number from diploid (two sets of chromosomes) to haploid (one set). This process not only ensures that offspring inherit a combination of genetic material from both parents but also increases genetic diversity through mechanisms such as crossing over and independent assortment. This diversity is important for evolution and the adaptability of a species.

In contrast, producing two identical daughter cells pertains to mitosis, which is responsible for growth and tissue repair in somatic (non-reproductive) cells, and does not involve a reduction in genetic material. Repairing damaged DNA is also a function of mitosis rather than meiosis, as is the formation of a zygote, which is a result of the fertilization of two haploid gametes. Hence, the focus of meiosis is specifically on producing haploid gametes, making the choice of