Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What is the chromosome separation outcome of meiosis?

1. Two identical cells

2. Four haploid cells

3. One diploid cell

4. Two diploid cells

The correct answer is: Four haploid cells

The outcome of meiosis is the production of four haploid cells, which is why this answer is correct. Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically diverse gametes, or sex cells. This process is essential for sexual reproduction, as it ensures that when gametes fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote has the appropriate diploid number of chromosomes. Meiosis consists of two sequential divisions: meiosis I and meiosis II. In meiosis I, homologous chromosomes separate, reducing the chromosome number from diploid to haploid. In meiosis II, the sister chromatids of each chromosome are separated, ultimately leading to four unique cells, each containing half the original number of chromosomes. This haploid state is crucial for organisms that reproduce sexually, as it allows for genetic diversity and stability in the chromosome number across generations.