Unlike mitosis, which produces genetically identical cells, meiosis results in the formation of which type of daughter cells with respect to chromosome number?

Introduction / Context:
Mitosis and meiosis are two different types of cell division with distinct roles in the life cycle of organisms. Mitosis maintains chromosome number and produces identical cells for growth and repair. Meiosis reduces chromosome number and is essential for sexual reproduction. This question asks which type of daughter cells meiosis produces, highlighting the key difference from mitosis.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The comparison is between mitosis and meiosis.
• Mitosis produces genetically identical cells with the same chromosome number as the parent.
• We are asked what meiosis produces instead.
• Options include haploid, diploid, body cells, polyploid cells, and variable chromosome number cells.

Concept / Approach:
In diploid organisms, body cells contain two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. Meiosis is a special type of division that occurs in germ cells to produce gametes such as sperm and eggs. During meiosis, there are two successive divisions (meiosis I and meiosis II) but only one round of DNA replication. As a result, the final daughter cells have half the number of chromosomes compared to the original diploid cell; they are haploid. This reduction is critical so that when gametes fuse at fertilisation, the diploid number is restored. Mitosis, in contrast, produces diploid daughter cells identical to the parent cell in chromosome number.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that a diploid cell has two sets of chromosomes (2n), while a haploid cell has one set (n). Step 2: Understand that meiosis begins with a diploid germ cell. Step 3: Note that after meiosis I and II, four daughter cells are produced, each with half the original chromosome number. Step 4: Recognise that these daughter cells are gametes (or spores in plants) and are haploid. Step 5: Contrast this with mitosis, which produces two daughter cells that remain diploid and genetically similar to the parent cell. Step 6: Conclude that meiosis results in the formation of haploid cells.

Verification / Alternative check:
Diagrams of meiosis in textbooks clearly label the parent cell as 2n and the final gametes as n. Genetics explanations of sexual reproduction emphasise that the union of two haploid gametes restores the diploid state in the zygote. These consistent descriptions confirm that the essential outcome of meiosis is haploid daughter cells.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Diploid cells identical to the parent: This is the result of mitosis, not meiosis. Body cells for tissue growth: These are produced mainly by mitosis. Polyploid cells with many chromosome sets: Polyploidy can occur in some plants but is not the standard outcome of meiosis described in basic biology. Cells with variable chromosome number in each division: Normal meiosis is highly controlled and produces a consistent haploid number, not random variation.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the number of divisions in meiosis with its outcome. While meiosis has two divisions, it does not double chromosome number; instead, it halves it. Another confusion is between the terms haploid and diploid. Remembering that meiosis is a reduction division that produces haploid gametes helps keep the concepts clear.

Final Answer:
Meiosis results in the formation of haploid daughter cells.