Answer:
E) Reducing the number of chromosomes by half during meiosis ensures the chromosome number is maintained during fertilization.
A) Increasing genetic diversity ensures that no two haploid gametes are exactly the same.
Explanation:
Meiosis is a kind of cell division that strictly occurs in sexually-reproducing organisms. It is the process whereby four daughter cells that are genetically different from their parents are produced. In meiosis, the chromosome number of each daughter cell (gamete) is reduced by half. As highlighted in this question, the meiotic process is essential in the sexual reproduction and life cycle of many organisms.
This importance is attributed to the fact that:
- Reducing the number of chromosomes by half during meiosis ensures the chromosome number is maintained during fertilization. That is, a diploid organism (2n) produces a haploid gamete (n), which becomes diploid again when fertilized by another gamete.
- Increasing genetic diversity ensures that no two haploid gametes are exactly the same. This occurs because of a process called CROSSING OVER, which enables that the alleles of each gamete is recombined to be different from one another in order to promote genetic diversity.
